Candlelight tribute to mark the start of Barry G’s final journey
CHILDREN of the late broadcast media icon Barrington “Barry G” Gordon are preparing to honour their father’s extraordinary life and legacy with a candlelight tribute this evening that promises not only reflection and remembrance, but also a renewed commitment to service in his name.
Gordon died at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland on October 29, 2025, one day after Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica leaving widespread devastation particularly in the south-western end of the island, and his children say that made it difficult to publicly honour him earlier in the way he truly deserved.
Now, with time having passed, they believe it is fitting and necessary to invite the nation into a shared space of remembrance for the ‘Boogieman’ whose exuberant delivery and charismatic personality made him one of Jamaica’s great broadcasters.
“Quite a bit of time has passed and we feel it is only right to share with the nation a public ceremony of reflection to honour him in the most fitting and deserving setting,” Sade Gordon, one of his daughters, told the Jamaica Observer.
Barry G fathered seven children, all of whom have reportedly been involved in shaping the concept and programme for the tribute.
The candlelight symbolism, they say, is particularly meaningful.
“The candlelight symbolises remembering him as the icon he was and allows so many people to join us in celebrating his life,” Sade Gordon shared.
The tribute will be held at Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew and will see a host of performers sharing memories of a media master who gave many a platform.
According to the family, the February 6 date for the tribute is fitting as it is the birthday of the late reggae icon Bob Marley and comes at the start of what Jamaica has designated Reggae Month.
“It was not intentional. So it is surreal that this was the date confirmed by those on the ground who are working assiduously to put this together,” said another daughter, Stacy, as she argued that the date took on added meaning given Barry G’s immense contribution to broadcasting, music, culture, and reggae, in Jamaica and internationally.
Meanwhile, Sade said the choice of Police Officers’ Club to host the tribute was intentional as its outdoor setting lends itself to a candlelight event while evoking the atmosphere of an outside broadcast, something Barry G greatly enjoyed during his career.
“It felt like the perfect way to mirror what he loved doing most,” said Sade. She pointed out that while, to the public, the Kingston College alumnus was a broadcast legend, at home he was much more.
“He was a father, confidant, and best friend. He valued family deeply and was a caring and loving mentor who impacted every aspect of our lives,” declared Sade.
She said his children hope the public remembers him not just for his professional achievements, but for his personal qualities: his humility, gentleness, discipline, strong moral compass, and genuine love for humanity.
“He came from humble beginnings and always said the sky is the limit,” declared Stacy, who recalled that her father had an unwavering belief in education, faith, excellence, and hard work.
She said despite his public profile, Barry G remained ever present as a father as he was involved in every important decision, ensured every interaction was meaningful, and never missed an opportunity to express his love.
According to Stacy, even while many of his children lived abroad the broadcaster stayed closely connected to their lives well into adulthood.
“All the reflections and memories shared have been heart-warming,” said Stacy who pointed out that the outpouring of love and support from the public, and the process of planning this tribute have brought comfort and healing to the family.
She added that tonight the family anticipate a mix of emotions — peace, gratitude, reflection, unity, pride, serenity, and sadness.
“He was very well-respected. His uniqueness as an icon paved the way for generations of broadcasters. He truly understood the craft and had a deep passion for music and culture,” declared Sade who added that the strong response from entertainers and members of the music fraternity speaks volumes about Barry G’s influence.
Meanwhile, Stacy pointed out that the candlelight tribute will be the beginning of a broader vision to continuing the work of her father who, she noted, had charity and youth development close to his heart.
“With the guidance of his legacy, we look forward to actively making our contribution on his behalf,” said Stacy who told the Observer that plans are already being developed for initiatives in his name, including a charity foundation and other projects.
The children hope Jamaicans will remember Barry G as a kind, humble, hard-working man who took great pride in broadcasting and treated everyone with respect.
“His listeners were family. Every interaction mattered to him,” Sade said as she indicated that the family hopes people will leave the candlelight vigil with a sense of love, unity, and gratitude for a life that touched so many.
For Stacy, through shared loss, grief, and remembrance, the seven siblings believe their bond has only grown stronger and “we are all we have left to continue the Gordon legacy. Keeping his memory alive, for ourselves and for future generations”.
A thanksgiving service for Barry G’s life is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew starting at 11:00 am.
SADE…his uniqueness as an icon paved the way for generations of broadcasters .