Veteran radio voice Maurice Norville remembered for mentorship

Maurice Norville, one of Barbados’ best-known radio broadcasters and a mentor to generations of media professionals, died Wednesday morning aged 73.

Norville had reportedly been ill and was receiving medical care at the time of his death.

A familiar voice for the past five decades on the Starcom Network, successor to Barbados Rediffusion, he was also remembered for his voice training courses, which several journalists credited for shaping their careers.

Starcom general manager Anthony Greene described Norville as a warm and positive human being.

“He used that word ‘positive’ quite a bit in his interaction with audiences,” Greene said. “His kindness touched everyone.”

Greene, president of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, highlighted Norville’s professionalism and versatility on air.

“From his impeccable newsreading to his prime-time morning announcer duties as part of the popular Road Runner duo with Patrick Gollop, he left an indelible mark. Celebration Corner was something he became known for, celebrating birthdays and playing uplifting music for listeners.”

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, in extending condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, said Norville “was a radio icon, a broadcaster par excellence, whose legacy is inextricably linked to the history of broadcasting in our country. His career stands as a clear and calm reminder that accuracy, balance, and respect for the public are not old-fashioned ideals, but the very foundation of responsible broadcasting.”

On the floor of the House of Assembly, St Michael South Central MP Marsha Caddle, expressed her condolences.

She said: “I called him Uncle Maurice growing up because he was the father of my childhood best friend, and I know that this country will miss the energy and professionalism of his broadcasting, and really the life that he brought to us all on the airwaves and beyond.”

Greene also paid tribute to Norville’s educational radio work, including the popular Greenback Moment feature, noting, “He educated people about the meaning and origin of words, and in recent times he participated extensively in health education on the radio with the Greenback Moment on Health.” 

Greene added that Norville’s professionalism, commitment, and decades of dedicated service helped shape the standard of broadcasting in Barbados.

“Sincere condolences to his wife and family. May he rest in peace, and may his remarkable legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew him,” he said.

Alongside his broadcasting work, Norville built a parallel career as a noted insurance agent. He is survived by his widow and three children.
(LG)