After more than 40 years in the field of mass communication and photojournalism that began in his homeland of Grenada, Associate Editor of Caribbean Life newspaper, Michael Kevin Williams, an unsung hero, who works feverishly to ensure Caribbean Life is on the newsstand in a timely manner received a well-deserved honor from the Guyana Tri-State Alliance.
Last Friday, June 16, Williams, who began his career in 1997 at Grenada’s largest Torchlight newspaper, back then, received the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement Award of Achievement and Distinction — the fourth highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana, a citation from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and a Congressional Service Award from Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, during Guyana’s 51st Anniversary of Independence commemoration organized by the alliance at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Williams, a Brooklyn resident who has served more that 10 years, assists the managing editor in an editorial capacity including the written and visual presentation of the editorial section. He is also the content editor for the newspaper’s website carib
Before joining Caribbean Life newspaper in 2006 — the largest, free, Caribbean publication in the United States, Williams worked for the Grenada Public Service as an information officer and later seconded to the Free West Indian newspaper — a state-owned West Indian Publishing Company as a senior reporter / photographer. At that entity, he wrote news and feature articles, photographed events and assisted in the editing of articles and the layout of the newspaper. He worked there until 1983 when the publication ceased.
A talented and skilled journalist, Williams returned to the Government Information Service as a senior information officer where he supervised information staff; produced and broadcast the radio program “Prepare to Prevent,” which dealt with disaster preparedness, edited news releases, and organized news conferences.
Williams designed, edited and produced the weekly newsletter “Newsline.” As the senior information officer, he organized and coordinated the press center for CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Grenada and served on the National Emergency Relief Organization as the information officer.
A multifaceted professional, Williams also served as an education officer in the Ministry of Education and Labor, and appointed managing editor of the Materials Production Unit. There, he supervised and assisted in producing audio-visual and printed educational materials for the primary and secondary schools.
He also served as the communications officer for the Ministry of Education and assisted in developing, directing and implementing communications plans and strategies for the ministry. This included the communication plans for the OECS Basic Education Reform Project funded by the World Bank and the government of Grenada.
His service extended to public relations officer for the folk group “Spice Island Youthquake” since its start in 1980. In that capacity, in addition to promoting local concerts, he promoted an international concert tour to the USA. and toured with the group as a performer to England, Scotland and Ireland.
He gave back as a part-time tutor for a Print Journalism module at the T.A. Marryshow Community College, Grenada in 2001, and conducted training workshops for teachers and the staff of the Curriculum Development Department, Ministry of Education, in the use of technology for teaching and designing educational materials.
Williams holds a Bachelor of Arets in Mass Communication (Upper Second Class Honor) from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica Campus, a Master of Arts in Graphic Arts and Design from the Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, UK, a Post Graduate Diploma in Publishing in 1997 from Leeds College of Technology, Leeds, UK. Certificate in Public Administration, and many public relation certificates.
A talent to be reckoned with, Williams, successfully organized two National Awards Ceremonies for the Ministry of Education, edited several publications including Catholic Focus, National School Policy on Drugs and Strategic Plan for Educational Enhancement and Development (SPEED).
His outstanding career and service to his country of Grenada would follow the diligent and committed Williams who after immigrating to the U.S. continued his love and passion for media, joining Caribbean Life.
The staff of Caribbean Life extends congratulations to Williams for his continued service and commitment to dissemiminating the news.
