Chaviene Cyril Etienne has made it his mission to revive a tradition of fearless, community-rooted broadcasting in Anguilla – this time, in his own voice.
Born and raised in Long Bay, Etienne remembers Iwandai and Ras B on Upbeat Radio – two radio personalities who helped define his sense of truth, justice and community.
“As a child, I grew up listening to their Newswatch AM and PM broadcasts at 6.30, a tradition passed down through my babysitter, my mother and father,” he tells Anguilla Focus.
“It shaped my understanding of media, truth and accountability.”
Their unique style of broadcasting vanished with their passing, and the void they left behind has been palpable.
But now, the 24-year-old is picking up the microphone they left behind – this time under his own brand: Voices Radio.
Clarity in content
Launched in 2022 during a three year stint in the UK, Voices Radio is a grassroots media platform with one bold aim: to give voice to the unheard.
Built without funding, sponsorship or formal training, it stands as one of the few independent broadcasting platforms on the island.
“For me, journalism isn’t just a job – it’s a mission,” Etienne says. “And I treat it with the same discipline, structure and accountability as any paid position.”
The multimedia content, published on the Voice Radio website as well as on social media, is varied, but the goal is always the same: clarity.
Etienne, who is now living back in Anguilla, produces breakdowns of political or legal issues, transforming inaccessible jargon into digestible truths.
His investigative pieces ask difficult questions. His editorials reflect on the soul of the island – spirituality, culture and community.
Frustration and faith
Etienne says his vision for Voices Radio was born out of frustration – and faith.
Frustration at a radio landscape he describes as crowded with rumour and repetition. Faith that the next generation deserves something more.
“Voices Radio is where the youth will finally be seen and heard. Not as reckless or rebellious, but as bright, bold and purposeful,” he says.
“We are here to speak to them, with them and for them. And if that means holding power to account, raising the alarm, or making noise that others are too afraid to make, so be it.”
With content spanning TikTok and Facebook, the platform reaches Anguillians of all ages.
On TikTok, young people tune in for bold breakdowns and unfiltered news. On Facebook, older listeners engage in deeper discussions, Etienne says.
Inclusion
And when it comes to inclusion, Etienne draws no lines.
Whether you are a small business without an ad budget or a young man on the block grappling with risk, Voices Radio sees you, he says.
“If a business can’t afford to advertise, we’re open to barter arrangements and service exchanges, allowing both parties to benefit honestly,” he adds.
“That’s part of our mission: creating visibility for the unheard, including those with skills, trades, or products who simply need a stage.”
For now, Etienne remains the sole voice – but he’s not interested in staying that way and says he is committed to passing on the mic.
“When you’re ready, when you’ve found your truth, your passion, your sound, I’ll hand it to you and say: ‘Here’s your moment. Shine.'”
Visit Voices Radio here.
