Who was Alex Waithe?

Alexander (Alex) Waithe was a Barbadian Cultural Promoter.

 

Alex moved to Canada in 1972, and it is often said, you can take the man out of BIM, but not BIM out of the man.  Alex was a teacher by profession and lifestyle, but he is most known for his significant contribution to the Barbados / Caribbean cultural landscape in Canada. A Journalist, MC, Broadcaster, and Promoter, Alex Waithe was instrumental in the promotion and popularity of the song “Ragga Ragga” by Barbados’ Cultural Ambassador Red Plastic Bag (RPB), he is also credited with Krosfyah's “Ultimate Party – (Pump Me Up)” album being certified gold (the only Soca album ever to do so). In Canada, Alex was heavily involved in the promotion of Barbadian productions such as Laff-it-off, Rum and Coke and the screening of several Barbadian films.

 

Alex was a distributer of Caribbean music, Radio Host and Reporter on many radio stations, most notably his own show "Kaiso Rising" on CHRY 105.5 FM at York University in Toronto where you could hear all of the latest Calypso and Soca hits, news, and community announcements.

 

The St. Lawrence Primary School in Christ Church Barbados was Alex’s Alma Mater to which he donated his time and resources. The School recognised his efforts in 2016.

 

Cultural promotion and teaching were not all, after the devastation of hurricane Maria in Dominica in 2017 Alex spent time in the nature isle helping to physically rebuild homes and lives.

 

Alex passed in January 2021 after a short battle with cancer. He is remembered by his family, and close friends of which there are many. It is for these reasons that the Board of the Barbados Labour Party Canada - has chosen to honour his memory by way of a scholarship for the Arts in his name. Details of which will be disclosed in the future.