Jeff Barnes
- PBCJ AV Library
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22
Jamaican Broadcasting Legend and Cultural Ambassador
Jeff Barnes, a prominent figure in Jamaican media, is widely recognised for his contributions as a seasoned broadcaster, attorney, and cultural advocate. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Jeff's journey in media began in 1964 at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), where he first unearthed his passion for connecting with audiences through the power of radio.
As the late 1960s ushered in a wave of Caribbean immigrants to New York, the need for representation of West Indian culture and music on local airwaves became apparent. On moving to New York, Mr Barnes recognised the absence of such voices and took the bold step to elevate Caribbean culture and create a sense of community through broadcast media.
His entry into the New York radio scene saw him working at WWRL, a station renowned for its Black music programming. His compelling storytelling, engaging personality, and commitment to serving the Caribbean diaspora quickly forged a distinct voice for the community. By the time he joined WLIB-AM, a flagship station in Manhattan, he had established himself as a leading figure in Caribbean radio.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Jeff Barnes was instrumental in shaping the Caribbean radio landscape in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut). His pioneering efforts brought Caribbean sounds and stories to mainstream audiences, enriching the cultural fabric of the region. He became a beloved figure among listeners, many of whom saw their shared experiences and heritage reflected in his programming.
In addition to his broadcasting achievements, Jeff Barnes is part of a talented family that has significantly impacted Jamaican media. His brothers, Winston and Ed, have also carved out successful careers in broadcasting, with Ed notably making a name for himself as a sports broadcaster. Together, the Barnes brothers championed the rich narrative of Jamaican culture, whether through music, news, or sports.
As a testament to his influence, Jeff Barnes is the recipient of numerous awards, including being one of the 'Icons' at the 4th Annual 'Icons of Soul' awards edition in New York in 2007. This recognition is reflective of his unwavering dedication to uplifting Caribbean voices and ensuring that the vibrant culture receives the spotlight it deserves.
Aside from his illustrious career in broadcasting, Mr Barnes is also an accomplished attorney. Balancing his legal expertise with his passion for media, he has advocated for his community on multiple fronts. His work emphasises the importance of representation, allowing him to act as a bridge between legal and cultural spheres.
Broadcaster Cliff Hughes speaks with Attorney at Law Jeff Barnes about the 1993 mass shooting in New York by Jamaican Colin Ferguson.
Click here for transcript
Cliff Hughes: I'll start with you, Jeff. You're in New York, as I said. We understand that there has been a negative backlash against the Jamaican community in New York as a result of the slaying. Is this true? And if it is, how is it manifesting itself?
Jeff Barnes: Well, I have not felt much of it so far. But in my situation, I've been receiving many calls from Jamaicans who are residents in New York and who are aware of you know the fact that I'm on the radio and have somewhat of a leading role in the community. I personally feel the way that members of the Muslim faith must have felt back in February of this year when you had the World Trade Centre bombing.
Because despite the fact that we have a tremendously good reputation here in the United States and in New York, suddenly we're all branded as gunmen and you know killers and that sort of thing. It is particularly devastating coming, as it does, at a time when we were enjoying such good publicity. The movie, Cool Runnings, has painted us in a very good light.
Merlin Otis winning the gold medal recently in Germany. Lisa Hanna winning the Miss World title. I mean, we were really on the crest of a wave, a wave of good feeling.
And this has shattered it all. Jamaicans, for the most part, are saying to me, "Look, we just want to keep quiet at this point." As a matter of fact, on my radio show yesterday afternoon, I had nothing to say about it.
And most people, most Jamaicans, are in shock. That's the main thing. I mean, there is a backlash. It is not as pointed, it is not as pointed as one would think. And most of us, most Jamaicans, I think, are quiet, but they're in shock. And most of them regard this thing as a tragedy.
Cliff Hughes: Well, Jeff, I hope the silence will not go on for much longer. You have to respond. This is not unique -
Jeff Barnes: Well, I have thought of something which I am going to suggest to some of the leaders of the Jamaican community.
I have thought about, for instance, taking out, let's say, an ad in the New York Times, which is, you know, perhaps the major newspaper in this area, which would be in the form of, let's say, a tribute to the families which lost, you know, lost some members of their families. And something along the lines of, look, you know that as Jamaicans, we are productive, industrious people, a peaceful people. And this is an aberration.
Further contributing to the preservation of Caribbean heritage, Jeff and his brothers made a significant donation of records to the Jamaica Music Archives. This collection plays a vital role in safeguarding Jamaica's musical legacy for future generations, ensuring that the island's rich artistic history remains accessible.
Jeff Barnes's influence reaches beyond entertainment; he has fostered a sense of belonging among Caribbean immigrants and has educated broader audiences about the depth and richness of Jamaican culture. His unwavering commitment to advocacy, representation, and community engagement has solidified his legacy as a true pioneer in Caribbean broadcasting, making him a respected and cherished figure.
