Crusader Radio, a local FM Radio Station affiliated to the ruling United Progressive Party Administration on Wednesday celebrated it first anniversary of broadcasting.

Crusader Radio Project facilitator and Station Manager Conrad Pole

Crusader Radio, the first radio station to be owned by a political party in Antigua and Barbuda was the brainchild of political leader of the UPP and Prime Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer. The continuous stranglehold on the publicly owned radio and television stations during the run up to the 1999 and subsequently the 2004 general elections, lead the UPP leadership to decide that it needed its own voice going into the last general elections.

Station Manager, Conrad Pole said that against the background of the Observer Group succeeding in their Privy Council case to operate a radio and television station, the UPP applied for and gained a license to operate its own station in May of 2001. "The first order of business was to secure the necessary financing to implement the Crusader Radio Business Plan which outlined its Mission Statement and overall objectives with an aim to be the communication medium of first choice in Antigua and Barbuda through the provision of innovative programme," noted Pole.

The crucial financing needed to commence the project was secured by the Deputy Leader of the Party the Hon. Wilmoth Daniel, following which the board mandated Pole to spearhead the technical and administrative aspects of the station and subsequently manage the establishment through its embryonic stage.

Pole's ten months of dedicated voluntary service finally paid off when on August 18 2003, Antigua and Barbuda national calypso icon Sir McLean Emanuel declared Crusader Radio open during a specially organised ceremony.

"The emergence of Crusader Radio was a most historic and temperate moment for those of us in the United Progressive Party and others, who understood at the time, what it meant to have a real voice," noted Pole. "It was a moment of achievement, pride and jubilation. It was the first public business asset, owned and operated by the United Progressive Party, and the first radio station owned by a political party in the Eastern Caribbean," he added.

The main thrust of Crusader Radio in 2003 was to assist the United Progressive Party in winning the 2004 general elections. A strategy was launched to develop a series of programmes to increase public attendance at public meetings and bring the meetings to the masses. Programmes such as “Rise and Shine”, “Power Zone”, “Turning Point”, “Face to Face”, the “Rescue Rallies,” and the "Commentaries," were designed to articulate and promote the UPP's position on a number of issues.

The Crusader Radio strategy was seen as an innovative undertaking created excitement among the masses that resulted in huge gatherings at all the public rallies, which played a major role in the party ending the 28 year rule of the ALP Administration.

Conrad Pole, who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the City University of New York and vast experience in business and management, said that the foundation laid for Crusader Radio one year ago has propelled it to being number three out of a total of 11 radio stations in Antigua and Barbuda according to recently conducted Richards and Associates poll.

“If Crusader Radio can attain this much in such a short time, the possibilities are limitless. The goal is to become the number one station in Antigua and Barbuda now,” Pole noted

The station, which is operated by a Board of Directors, is now managed daily by Mr. William Dorsett. Conrad Pole who is a member of the Board is now concentrating his efforts on an Independence Homecoming project. (Ends)

Digital Photo by Maurice F. Merchant