NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada, and veteran broadcaster Dr Calsey Johnson passed away in hospital this morning.
He was 82 years old, and died two days before his birthday around 4am.
Johnson, a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Stalwary Councillor, started his career was among the pioneers of ZNS and the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.
In a statement on his death, the PLP chronicled Johnson’s life successes and expressed sadness over the loss.
“Calsey Johnson was a man of many parts,” the statement said.
“He was, however, first and foremost a broadcaster.
“He set his feet down and cast his lot at ZNS and the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, serving in various capacities and ultimately in the highest offices.
“Together with Ed Bethel, Louis Hanchell and Sir Charles Carter, they transformed ZNS radio and pioneered ZNS television and molded the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas into the service nationwide that it is today.
“As general manager, he welcomed Her Majesty The Queen to open the brand new ZNS televison service in 1977.”
After his retirement from broadcast and a stint in the private sector, Johnson entered politics under the late Sir Lynden Pindling as the party’s secretary general.
Johnson later ran for office in the Bamboo Town constituency against the late Tennyson Wells, and served as a senator.
“In all of those roles he excelled,” the PLP said.
“He was a faithful soldier and trusted ally of the late Sir Lynden Pindling. He was especially proud to be a son of Eleuthera and of the settlement of Hatchet Bay.
The statement continued: “On behalf of the Leader Philip Brave Davis, Deputy Chester Cooper, our entire Parliamentary team, all officers and members, we extend our condolences to his wife Dulcena and the entire family. A true patriot has left us.
“He may be gone but will not be forgotten,” it added.
