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Radio personality Neil A. Blyden aka ‘Mr Melee’ is dead

Radio personality and businessman Neil A. Blyden passed away on January 1, 2017. Photo: VINO/File
The brother of the late Mr Neil A. Byden (right), Robin E. Blyden (left), posted this photo on Facebook this evening, January 1, 2017 confirming the death. Photo: Facebook
The brother of the late Mr Neil A. Byden (right), Robin E. Blyden (left), posted this photo on Facebook this evening, January 1, 2017 confirming the death. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Word just reaching our newsroom from our Team of Reporters around the Virgin Islands (VI) is that larger than life radio personality Mr Neil A. Blyden has passed.

It is our newsroom’s understanding that he was found at his home in Road Town, the Capital City by his wife Janice where he was allegedly unresponsive at around 7:30 PM this evening January 1, 2017.

Mr Blyden, an indigenous Virgin Islander, was the owner of popular radio Station ZVCR 106.9 FM and founder of Neil Blyden & Associate, a Marketing and Promotion Company.

He was also known for his years in advertisement, his distinctive radio voice, especially when recording radio and TV commercials, and his contribution to the Virgin Islands culture.

Brief Background

The ultimate businessman and promoter, the late Mr Blyden sought political office in the 1995 general elections with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and made up the ticket as an At Large/Territorial candidate. 

While he was unsuccessful in the 1995 elections, coming in 5th as only the top four were given seats in the Legislative Council under the newly introduced At-Large system, Mr Melee, as he is affectionally known, may have had more success in the area of Tourism.

He served two tenures as Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board under a VIP Government from 1999-2003 and again between 2010-2011 and had the opportunity to represent the Virgin Islands all over the world.

While as Chairman, the BVI Tourist Board went through a rebranding exercise and many of the Territory’s resorts had won many hospitality awards for service excellence.

Mr Blyden, who spent many years in New York City, New York was also well connected to the African American entertainment class and was able to assist many VI events in getting top American artistes.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online offer our condolences to his wife Janice Nibbs-Blyden and other loved ones.

23 Responses to “Radio personality Neil A. Blyden aka ‘Mr Melee’ is dead”

  • tola (01/01/2017, 22:21) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is sad rip
  • NYC (01/01/2017, 22:24) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    OH NO SAD NEWS TO START THE YEAR RIP STAY STRONG JANICE
    • Big in Every Way. (02/01/2017, 02:26) Like (14) Dislike (41) Reply
      The BVI is too small for This Gentle man in every Way.. He was big in Every Way. New York was the best place for him to spread his large wings...He would have alive in New York..Home is not always the best place to be.
  • vi (01/01/2017, 22:27) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sad news!Rip j
  • pat (01/01/2017, 22:45) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    my prayers with Janice you just lost your sister now your husband, just know the great Jehovah will never give you more than you can bear
    • Brenda (02/01/2017, 10:00) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Pat, this statement always gets on my nerves. Things happen in life because that is the way life and death is. Saying the Lord will never give you more than you can bear is made up by man. If you could bear it, there would not be suicides, so therefore it was more than a person could bear. Things happen in life...period! Stop repeating everything saying you know at a sensitive time like this right now. It doesn't make the person grieving feel any better. RIP Mr. Blyden and my condolences to your family, he was a good man.
  • qc (01/01/2017, 22:47) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    we know not the time or the hour when the bell will toll...may he RIP
  • To the Bereaved (01/01/2017, 23:12) Like (32) Dislike (4) Reply
    Can we stop telling people to stay strong. It's such a norm now it's like not a thought for how the mourner feels.

    Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.

    Cry if you must, scream if you must, grieve in your own way as we offer our heartfelt sympathy.
    • voter (02/01/2017, 07:26) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thanks for the background informtion vino. Mr Melee will be missed
  • Friend from SCB (01/01/2017, 23:19) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    My most heartfelt sympathy to his wife Janice, who has only lost her sister Joyce two days ago and now her husband. How terrible sad. My prayers are with Janice and the family
  • chad (01/01/2017, 23:58) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Condolences to the blyden family on the passing of neil and mrs leslie
  • STX Family (02/01/2017, 01:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our sincerest condolences to Janice and the family, and friends. We are truly saddened.
  • Jack B Nimble (02/01/2017, 02:20) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    OMG. Sad. People NHI is to save lives, Use it get your check up regularly..Immense Contribution to the BVI. A huge loss...
  • Cuz (02/01/2017, 06:51) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cant believe i am reading this rip mr melee
  • so sorry (02/01/2017, 07:55) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Echoed at a funeral and old year service we must live every day as if it was our last. I am so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Blyden. Condolences to his wife (cuz) as she goes down the road of the lost of her husband and sister. We continue to keep you and the family in our prayers. God is the master of life. Continue to trust in your master as you reflect on Psalms 23 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Hold on Janice.
  • Kim (02/01/2017, 08:53) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    So sad for the blyden family.Mr melee was a good man .I saw him over the holidays at one mart.
    I hailed him up there. So sadden by all these bad news.
  • de silent one (02/01/2017, 09:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Omg! Its so sad to have heard that news this morning. Sincere condolences to his wife and extended family on his passing. He was such a act/helpful person. He'll be well miss.
  • Liat 521 (02/01/2017, 09:40) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    What a bad start of 2017 Rip mr m
  • Dear (02/01/2017, 12:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to his wife and family
  • bvi (02/01/2017, 19:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    GONE BUT WIL NEVER BE FORGOTTON


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