by Albert Williams, former secretary of the Media Workers’ Association of Dominica (MWAD) 2003-2004
“A great Dominican and one of the island’s most recognizable media voices.”
– Prime Minister of Dominica Hon. Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has praised the late Mrs Shermaine Green Browne as a “great Dominican” and one of the island’s most recognizable media voices. He noted her articulate and pleasant presence on the airwaves and acknowledged her lifelong dedication to serving Dominica and its people. “Shermaine Green was DBS and DBS was Shermaine Green,” he remarked, as he led the tributes coming in from near and far following the news that the icon had died emphasizing her vital role in the country’s broadcasting.
Over four decades of service
Shermaine Green-Browne’s contribution to the media fraternity is beyond question. Her sudden passing has left a tremendous void for her family, former colleagues, and friends. In 2016, she, along with Felix Henderson, bid farewell to DBS Radio after over four decades of service—a combined period of eighty years. According to a Sun Newspaper article, “Broadcasters Felix Henderson and Shermaine Green-Brown are getting ready to retire from the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS Radio popularly known as the Nation’s Station). Green-Brown is scheduled to leave in December and Henderson in December 2016.”
After her retirement, Shermaine, as she was popularly known, moved to Miami in 2017. Despite her relocation, she maintained close ties with Dominica, especially through her involvement with the President’s Charities Foundation, where she served as Public Relations Officer and later as an Honorary Member. News of her passing in a Miami hospital on August 1, 2024, has shocked Dominica and the region, as she was not known to be suffering from any major illness.
Talking Point with host, Shermaine Green-Brown October 5, 2015
“A media icon, a distinguished announcer, and a true Dominican legend.”
President of Dominica Her Excellency Burton DAH
Meanwhile, President Sylvanie Burton also expressed her deep sorrow, describing Shermaine as a media icon, a distinguished announcer, and a true Dominican legend. She highlighted Shermaine’s dedication to broadcasting journalism and her service to mankind. President Burton noted Shermaine’s close relationship with the Office of the President and her significant contributions to the President’s Charities Foundation.
Joined DBS in 1977
Before her retirement, Shermaine, who was married to OAS Ambassador to Dominica Paul Browne, had held several key positions at DBS, including General Manager (acting) and Programme Director. She joined DBS in 1977 and rose to the rank of Programme Director, also acting as General Manager. Her voice was a staple on the DBS 13:15 (Total News) as News Editor and she also hosted the popular “Talking Point” programme.
I was fortunate to know during my many appearances on DBS in the 80s and 90s. In more recent years, I recall calling into DBS from England during Tropical Storm Erica in 2015. During her long stint on the air, she tirelessly kept listeners informed about the storm’s developments. She was later relieved by another veteran pioneer of broadcasting in Dominica Alvin Knight
The media fraternity in Dominica and the region is in mourning at the loss of this veteran broadcaster and journalist. May all those who mourn her passing be comforted by the Holy Spirit. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
My wife, Tempie and I, extended our deepest sympathies to the Mr. Brown and family, and to media colleagues , friends and fans of the remarkable Sharmaine Green Browne.
[Cover photo] (May 9, 2016) Shermaine Green-Brown on Talking Point as she spoke with Attorney General Levi Peter about improvements in the Dispensation of Justice and the Legislative Agenda for Dominica on popular show Talking Point. Available at: DBS Radio Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/photo/? (Accessed: 2 August 2024).fbid=1593096657686793&set=a.1550010005328792
References:
Shermaine and Felix to retire (no date) The Sun. Available at: https://sundominica.com/articles/shermaine-and-felix-to-retire-3953/ (Accessed: 2 August 2024).
Baptiste, C. J. (2024) Media fraternity rocked by the sudden passing of veteran broadcaster Shermaine Green-Browne • Nature Isle News, Nature Isle News. Available at: https://natureisle.news/death/media-fraternity-rocked-by-the-sudden-passing-of-veteran-broadcaster-shermaine-green-browne/ (Accessed: 2 August 2024).
Veteran Journalist Shermaine Green-Brown Passes Away Available at https://www.dom767.com/news/veteran-journalist-shermaine-green-brown-passes-away/ (Accessed: 2 August 2024).
ALBERT WILLIAMS Reporting 
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