MORNING radio in Jamaica has lost one of its most-revered voices. Francois St Juste, co-host of The Sunny Side Up on RJR 94 FM, died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew on August 29.

St Juste had been battling an undisclosed illness for some time.

Former colleague Rosamond Brown, current station manager at Kool 97 FM, remembered the veteran broadcaster’s dynamism.

“We both joined FAME FM about six months apart in 1984. As the newbies we developed a firm friendship immediately. Don Topping had created FAME and we were part of the original team. I think Francois took Don’s vision to the highest level when he was promoted to programmes manager. His vision was light years ahead, staging the FAME Road Parties, Island Parties, and Fraternity Parties. They were the first exclusive parties for members only. That was his idea to have a VIP club for listeners,” Brown told the Jamaica Observer.

“He was a natural at programming. FAME FM, under his watch, became the cutting-edge. He recruited the perfect mix of DJs to translate his vision and it worked magnificently. He was an inspiring leader back then and he knew how to get us working towards the same goal. People don’t recognise him for his marketing skills, but that was perhaps his biggest thing. From the sought-after FAME calendars to high-tech mixes, he created the brand FAME, and I give thanks for having been able to work with him so closely and that he valued my input,” she continued.

St Juste became popular hosting the morning drive-time show on FAME FM for many years. He was a former general manager for Radio Services at the RJR Communications Group.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange said she is deeply saddened by his death.

“Francois St Juste certainly made his name in radio broadcasting in Jamaica, becoming a household name among radio listeners across the island. We recall the early days of FM radio in Jamaica when Francois was among the announcers that put FAME FM on the map. Not only did he perform his routine duties, but he was also responsible for training others,” Grange said in a media release.

“Francois’s versatility was further demonstrated later on in his role in management. A booming voice from an expert presenter behind the microphone has been silenced, but the echoes in our memories will last for a long time. I extend my deepest sympathy to Francois’s family, his relatives, his Sunny Side Up partner Paula-Ann Porter-Jones, the RJR Group, his friends, fans, and listeners,” she continued.

Francois St Juste was the son of veteran Trinidadian film-maker Franklyn “Chappy” St Juste, who died in November 2019.