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Overwhelming social media reaction to Neil A. Blyden’s sudden death

Residents of the Virgin Islands have expressed shocked at the sudden passing of radio personality, businessman and former BVI Tourist Board Chairman, Neil A. Blyden. Photo: VINO/File
The Facebook post by Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) on the passing of Mr Neil A. Blyden. Photo: Facebook
The Facebook post by Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) on the passing of Mr Neil A. Blyden. Photo: Facebook
Mr Neil M. Blyden was the owner and General Manager of radio station ZVCR 106.9 FM. Photo:VINO
Mr Neil M. Blyden was the owner and General Manager of radio station ZVCR 106.9 FM. Photo:VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – As word circulated of the sudden death of radio personality and businessman Mr Neil A. ‘Melee’ Blyden, social media has been bursting with condolences to his family and also expressions of shock at the double blow to his wife, Janice Nibbs-Blyden.

First Lady of the territory Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE, wrote, “My friend Neil Blyden: Mama always taught us that God does not give us more burdens than we can bear....Janice, you lost Joyce a few days ago and now your beloved Husband! May God give you the strength to reach deep for comfort. I admired and was so fond of Neil...his smarts, his courage, his creativity and his fight against all odds. A role model for our young men. RIP my friend.”

Virgin Islands Cancer Society wrote, “Good Morning Survivors, Life is short. No one knows when it’s their last so let's live a God-fearing life. No one is ever ready to lose a love one. No one is ever ready to say goodbye. Mrs Janice Blyden and the entire family of the late Mr Neil "Mr Melee" Blyden we too offer our sincere condolences during this sad time. May Jehovah comfort you and may his memories forever live on in your hearts.”

A ‘gifted man’

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) just posted: "No words...regarding the sudden passing of my friend and business associate Mr Melee. My deepest condolences to his wife Janice and the rest of his family and staff at ZVCR 106.9 FM. Neil Blyden was one of a kind, a special man, a gifted man and he will be greatly missed."

‎Film Commissioner and Events Marketing Manager at the BVI Tourist Board Mr Rhodni A. Skelton said he has to pay “homage” to Mr Blyden since when he (Skelton) became the VI's Film Commissioner back in 2004, Mr Blyden took him under his wing and taught him all there was to know about the industry. 

“He kept his radio station always available to the BVI Tourist Board to do whatever promotions we needed to do over the years. He truly believed in the BVI Brand and always gave credit and praise to others who promoted the BVI. In life he definitely should have gotten far more accolades for his pioneering spirit. Sadly it is his passing that he will get his flowers. So let me help to give you those flowers now Mr B! May your rest, until we meet again, be peaceful and your family be strong!”

Of the many reactions, Jasmine A. Brewley wrote, “My heart goes out to Janice who has lost her sister and her husband in less than one week. Let us ask the Lord to give her comfort and faith during this time.”

Keep us & family in your prayers- ZVCR 106.9 FM staff

One of Mr Blyden’s employees at ZVCR Kacie Sampson posted, along with a video clip of the last celebrations on December 22, 2016, “ The staff of ZVCR 106.9 FM Radio Station would like thank the public for their outpouring messages, telephone calls and love of the general public on the passing of a great leader, stalwart, husband and General Manager of ZVCR Mr Neil Blyden on January 1st 2017. ZVCR continues to hold strong in the midst of this great loss, we ask all to keep us and his family in your prayers at this time.”

The radio icon’s death sparked many pockets of discussion in various sections of the territory. One person expressed, “Some things happen as a wakeup call to many. I am so afraid to sleep alone now but I am also reminded to do certain things like take my health seriously, go get my check-ups and even more get back on the track of exercising.”

“Making it right with the maker is my new counsel. Life is so short we seeing and yes, we have to go some day but God the pain it cost those we leave behind,” added another.

10 Responses to “Overwhelming social media reaction to Neil A. Blyden’s sudden death”

  • ABC (02/01/2017, 12:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad
  • musa (02/01/2017, 12:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    death is a must rip brother
  • one eye (02/01/2017, 17:40) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Some of these crooks say so much good things about you after you die
  • Gecko (02/01/2017, 18:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    we say thanks for blessing Neil while alive with the health, strength, energy, vision, ability and commitment to have served the people in various capacities MAY HE RIP
  • Cigar (02/01/2017, 18:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even after his death Blyden's philosophies have impacted many social and political movementsin the BVI..do your do and let the chips fall where they may!
  • An Ode to and Old Friend (02/01/2017, 19:40) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    An Ode to an old friend NEAL Blyden

    He made me smile… I always said this guy could never have lived in Asia because he simple does not understand the concept of personal space. He would come up to me wrap his arms around me and speak 2 inches from my face (Smile). Even if I wanted to run away it simply was not possible, he kept that arm around me. We played one-upmanship for a minute and he would pull out his trump card, the Apollo Theater NYC. He would say “Mahoney when you was still in pampers I was running the Apollo in NYC”. Then he would go on to tell me about some of the amazing things he has done in the United States.

    I wanted a piece of his pie and he knew it, he was nobodies fool. I learned a great deal from him over the years. When I came back home in the mid 90’s he was in charge of entertainment in the Festival Village and was also doing major international films via the Tourist board.

    I will never forget the year he was doing a film on Jost Van Dyke with an actor from the UK and I could not get a piece of the pie. An International News publication hired me to get photos of the shoot and the artist. I must have terrorized Neal Blyden all day with my boat and photographer. The next day he called me; he said “Mahoney how much are they paying you to be a pain in my ass?” I told him, he said ok I will pay you twice as much, you’re working for me now”. That was Neal Blyden, he made things happen and found solutions. Neal Blyden, a larger then life figure that paved the way and dominated the events & film market for years.

    We last worked together on the Flow grand opening, he gave me the opportunity to make a little money and I was appreciative. I will miss the big guy and that look, I got my eyes on you Mahoney…

    While we stand on mountain tops and declare ourselves the best at times we forget those men who went before us to open doors and create opportunities that simply did not exist for locals.

    We all stand on the shoulders of giants to reach the stars. With love and respect I join in the celebration of the late Neal Blyden. I could only image they needed someone in the heavens to organize all the talent that has passed away over the years.

    Worry not about when the skies will open Mr. Melee will give you the warning well in advance…

    Do not go quietly into that good night…
  • Kojack (03/01/2017, 09:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    A brother from another planet. He was my brother from another place and time. We who spent time away from here especially those of us who were in NYC were blessed with the friendship we shared with Neil Blyden. Stay strong Mrs. Janice, condolences to the entire family and continue to build the legacy and business that our good brother built.
  • hot girl (03/01/2017, 19:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Words is so hard to fine right now when i heard mr neil blyden as past, He was a great friend always going out is way to get things done for you, He was a hard worker may his soul rest in peace, you are sadly miss.My condolence goes out to the family.RIP
  • Miracle Dee (06/01/2017, 21:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My Cousin *Andy* Neil Blyden I knew he was involve with a lot of Productions.
    His work flow was on and on and on. Sometimes I use to wonder how he kept up with it All.
    We didn't get a chance to see one another often. Only at funerals.
    But we would get in contact, and when we talked , we talked. Priceless.
    Just to hear he had past, my heart went down to my stomach, I am still in shock.
    But God has never made a mistake.
    To *Janice*, my deepest Condolences on be half of your loving sister, and now your loving husband *Neil*.
    Keep Holding on to God hands.
    What A Man. He will sure be missed.
    From the family In Stamford Connecticut we send our Love and Condolences.
    Love *Deloris Blyden Harrison* R.I.P Cousin *Neil*


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