Dear Source:
Thanks for the story on Leo "LJ" Moron!
Without a doubt, Leo is the reason I've been involved in local radio for almost the past quarter century. As a child, I would listen to Mr. Moron while driving home from church on Sundays. At the time, I didn't know who he was. I knew that I attended school with Michael Moron, whom I found out later was his son. Mike and I became colleagues at WSTA.
From young, I had a fascination with electronics, which has led me to a career in technology. During my teen years, I was "possessed" with being a DJ – it was a way to impress the girls (LOL). I was able to DJ, but teachers and other adults told me that I had too much talent to just "play with records". I thought differently.
While attending UVI, I met Mr. Rodney Herbert, who was president of the UVI Radio Club. The year was 1985. Rodney (now owner of ZROD in the BVI) told me that I should join the club because I spoke and read well. I decided to take him up on his offer. After all, I would get a chance to play music (and impress even more ladies). That's when I met Mr. Leo Moron. What a meeting!!
Leo asked us why we joined the club. I told him I wanted to be a DJ. He cut me off at the knees! "Then this isn't for you", he said. Liking a challenge, I decided to stick around and see what I could learn. Mr. Moron focused on radio etiquette, reading properly (ask him about the British pronunciation of the word "schedule"), and playing music the correct way. Through all of this, he groomed me for radio; a hobby that I still pursue today.
Leo was instrumental in getting WUVI started; the first campus carrier station in the territory. I eventually became president of the radio club and general manager of the radio station. This dovetailed perfectly with my studies at UVI – business management. Coupled with my love for electronics, radio became by solitude during the tough times at college. Leo set the groundwork for us to cover UVI events live, including Miss UVI and a student protest march.
Right before graduation, Leo told me to give Anita Davis (then of WSTA) a call. She had a need for a radio operator doing the Sunday morning shift. I spoke to Anita and she invited me down. The job was not much, but important. I was responsible for opening the station, turning the transmitter, taking readings and engineering live and pre-recorded shows. I had to be at work for 5 am in the morning! Wow, I left many a party tired and trudged to Lucky 13 to make sure that Len Stein (then GM for WSTA) didn't ring my neck for not showing up on time.
Through all of this, I met several pastors, ministers, music icons and others. Later on, I met Sandra Goomansingh, whom I trained to replace me on Sundays. I moved on to having my own show, "Weekend Attitude", on Saturdays. I did this for several years before moving to the mainland in the early 1990s. I also sat in for personalities like Addie Ottley and Ras Regg.
Upon my return from the states, I decided that I did not want to just play music anymore. God granted my wish and I became a co-host of "Ideas and Issues" on WSTA. Our program is entering its 14th year on the air.
Yes, Leo Moron has set the stage for my career in radio. This singular individual has made an impact on my life in immeasurable ways. And all because I said I wanted to be a DJ!
Thanks Leo – thanks a million! Keep on making a difference.
Terence A. Thomas
St. Thomas
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