Honoree for 2011

Winston Maynard was born in Tobago on November 21, 1940, but was brought to Trinidad when he was just five years old to reside in Dengue Street, St James.

Schooled at Tranquility Primary, Queen's Royal College, St Mary's College and the University of the West Indies in St Augustine, his subjects of choice were English, Sociology, Economics and Spanish.

He began his working career as a sub-editor at the Trinidad Guardian in 1965, then moved over to radio in 1972.

The veteran broadcaster and cultural aficionado is still recognised for his program “Bring Your Music and Come” hosted with the late Rocky Mc Collin on Radio Trinidad that ran uninterrupted for eight years.
As early as 1954, when he was in second form at school, Winston was recognised for his skill at using the English language, earning the nickname “Greek Jones” after a person at the time with the name and affinity for the language. The name was eventually shortened to “greek,” a “moniker” by which he is still referred to by close friends.

After more than 40 years he is still an active broadcaster, co-hosting “Hardline” with Eddison Carr and Vernon Ramesar Sr. on 7.30 AM Radio. He, however, laments the state of the media today, claiming it has “ fallen into the wrong hands, and the focus is different.”
“I am disenchanted with today's on-air radio personnel,” he said. “They are not overly selective, and don't know tasteful music. In fact, they know nothing.”

Regrettably, he said, his efforts to rescue the local averages and win back some integrity for radio, can achieve nothing more than a token victory against the overwhelming phalanx of his peers, who either do not perceive for themselves an educational role in the execution of their functions, or are simply unable to deliver a more meaningful product.

Winston says his most enjoyable time spent in radio was his engagement as special events commentator on Radio Trinidad. The position, he said, afforded him the opportunity to travel all over the country covering all types of events and subjects. As well, he studied field broadcasting in Jamaica with Radio Jamaica.

Winston's love for and appreciation of the calypso art form is well documented. He owned and operated a Vintage Calypso Tent in 1991, and has hosted many programmes on radio that paid tribute to this genre of music, providing on-air anecdotes and historical vignettes.
“A good calypso is a font of insightful information,” he says. “It is poetry, grammar and syntax, appreciation, wit, time-consuming for its composer, and enriching good conversation.”

Winston believes living in St James is “living with family.” He has been an active participant in all the community's activities, including “helping make hosay.” A Methodist by religion, he nevertheless supports services and events hosted by other religions in St James.