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by pltm
(PLTM) - Former BVI Tourist Board Chairman, Mr. Neil Andre Blyden was laid to rest today, January 21 with an outpouring of tributes from family, friends and the wider community at the Road Town Methodist Church. Neil, popularly known as Mr. Melee, died suddenly on January 1.
Known for being a great producer, promoter and public relations expert, Neil also received tributes from international artistes, including Jamaica's reggae star Taurus Riley.
"It is a great loss; the contributions made towards entertainment will live on. I would like to express my condolences to Mr. Blyden’s family and also the staff at the radio station. Stay strong," Riley said.
Reggae artist Duane Stephenson recalled meeting Neil in the capacity of a broadcaster, visionary and entrepreneur.
"In our conversations I learnt a lot about him, his background in enhancing greatness, especially in black culture through his endeavors in New York. He never stopped, he brought his vision home with him, which is the greatest thing a man can do for his people and by extension his country," Stephenson, who is also out of Jamaica, said.
Neil's wife, Janice Nibbs-Blyden remembered her husband as loving and good business partner.
"You were my anchor and I was yours. If something good happened, you called me to share the joy. If something bad happened, you called for comfort and advice. Neil, you were my business advisor, my events planner and travel consultant," Mrs. Blyden said.
"You were my comfort in time of sorrow and you helped me to grow and become the woman I am today. Thank you, Neil B; you were the best partner I could ever ask for. Rest in peace, until we meet again."
The many tributes remembered Neil for enthusiastically traveling the globe promoting the BVI for tourism, film, TV and broadcast production, networking on several continents. Neil was always comfortable talking with the international media and despite a grueling global travel schedule, he consistently carved out time to do so if he thought the BVI would benefit.
Neil formed a marketing company, Neil Blyden & Associates and marketed events such as the BVI Music Fest and the Emancipation and Easter Festivals. He was also involved in film productions and introduced the BVI as a filming location.
In 2002, Neil launched his radio station ZVCR 106.9 FM---The Heart and Soul of the Virgin Islands.
"We pause to pay tribute to a legend, an icon and a friend. Our memories of Mr. Melee are so many. As we reminisce over the years, we will forever be grateful for his sound advice and suggestions with moving VIBE forward. He [Mr. Melee] always said it as he saw it and encouraged us to "keep it real" and to "keep it positive," local band VIBE said in tribute.
Birch “DJ Bertrum” Lettsome said, "Mr. B took me under his wing and cared for me like a son after my father passed. He felt it necessary to ensure I was taken care of after my father’s passing and afforded me so much opportunities; opportunities of a lifetime."
"Neil's talents, skills and contacts in the New York entertainment industry lifted the BVI above all Caribbean destinations in June 2003 when he produced a BVI cultural extravaganza on the stage of the world famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York," Kedrick Malone recalled.
Blyden leaves to mourn his wife, his partner of 24 years; his brother Robin Blyden; his aunt/mom Tatica Scatliffe; and many other relatives and friends.
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