MONTEGO BAY, St James – For Patrick Williams, CEO of the St James-based community radio station More 91.7 FM, receiving the 2022 Governor General’s Achievement Award for excellence in community development is the highlight of his over 30-year career in media.

“Honestly, when I was told that I got nominated for the governor general’s award, I could not believe it. It felt good to know that the work that we are doing is being recognised. After I won this award, I had to say to myself that I am happy it is not when I am dead somebody recognise me. I am grateful that I could have been recognised before I pass away,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer West.

Born and raised in the inner-city community of Glendevon, Williams’ introduction to the field he would devote his life to came at the young age of 12 after eagerly assisting a radio crew in need.

“I started out at JBC Radio West, formerly Hot 102 at just 12 years old. It was on a Wednesday and I was watching a match at Cornwall College and somebody asked me to help run a wire across from the pavilion to the [football] stands, which I did. Afterwards they asked me to help them take it down after the game and I did,” the career engineer recounted.

Williams continued, “I also drove with them downtown and when we got there they asked me to help take the equipment upstairs. They asked me what did I normally do on a Wednesday and Saturday, I told them nothing, so they told me come on down there on a Wednesday and Saturday.”

A young and impressionable Williams was able to learn all the tricks and trades of media and communications during his stint at the radio station. This, he stated, not only enticed his curiosity, but allowed him to work in various departments which work together to run a successful media house.

“I learned all of my journalism skills at JBC Radio West from the library, to the news, to the engineering,” Williams told the Observer West.

By 2011, Williams had garnered experience from working with over 10 media houses across Jamaica and was now ready to venture into entrepreneurship. With a life now devoted to ensuring that information can be passed on to listeners, it was no surprise when Williams decided to start his own radio station. After all, media is his passion.

Williams, however, decided to put a twist to the objectives of his radio station, More 91.7 FM, after recognising that he had a love for community development and involvement.

The new CEO implemented a community-based radio station broadcasting from St James to focus on not only highlighting the “untold stories”, but to help young media enthusiasts develop their own skills in the field, which he said, has been very rewarding.

It has also helped to highlight the work being done in the communities by More 91.7 FM, as Williams has received various recognitions for his work in the community and media by the St James Municipal Corporation.

“We have had a lot of youngsters pass through More FM who we have taught journalism and mass communication. We have actually taught more than 35 young people, some of them are even now overseas managing radio stations. I am happy to know that I was able to pass on the knowledge that I have gained to others,” said the proud man.

Williams’ belief in community has served as a compass throughout his journey in the media and communications field with the Montegonian consciously choosing to relay positive messages and information.

“More FM is a diverse community radio station that believes in community. You won’t find a lot of radio stations in Jamaica that focuses on community development especially across western Jamaica. I am a member of several youth clubs, so I have spent all of my life focusing on the community. Whatever is happening in the community, we are on the ground highlighting it and we mostly focus on the good that is happening,” said Williams.

“We are the only radio station that brings the St James Municipal Corporation’s regular monthly meeting live and we also bring the Parliament live. We try to be as diverse as possible,” he added.

The CEO believes that with the help of more like-minded people wanting to impact the lives of youths in St James, More FM can expand its current reach.

“We would like people to come on board with us as we are seeking sponsors for our various programmes. So if you want to be involved in the communities, then the station to join forces with is More FM,” said Williams.

More FM can be heard in St James and parts of Trelawny and Hanover.