Ron Robinson on 70 years of theatre, 60 years of radio, and a lifetime shaping Guyanese culture.
FOR over half a century, the name Ronald ‘Ron’ Robinson has echoed through Guyana’s airwaves and lit up its stages. A broadcaster, cultural icon, and theatre pioneer, he has been a teacher, storyteller, and revered social commentator. Still boisterous and bold, Robinson recently marked an impressive milestone: 60 years in broadcasting and 70 years in theatre. This week, Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Robinson to reflect on his life, legacy, and how it feels to be known to many as “the voice of Guyana.”
A Storied Career: Rejection and Recognition
Across the fields of broadcasting and theatre, Ron Robinson has made significant contributions. With over 2,000 interviews and dozens of stage and radio productions under his belt, Robinson is among Guyana’s most celebrated personalities. He’s the recipient of a lifetime achievement award, among several others. His journey into broadcasting began in August 1965, a year marked by national significance as Guyana moved toward independence.

Young, bright-eyed, and ambitious, Robinson hoped to join the historic broadcast team covering the independence celebrations. Though he was not selected, the experience became one of the most formative of his career. “I was very annoyed because I started in August 1965, and I expected that by May 1966, I would be competent enough to be on that historic team. But that only happens once. And I was not chosen. I was so, so mad. But when I heard the team of high-calibre broadcasters that night, I said, ‘Mr. Khan, thank you for not asking me,’ because I would have been out of my depth,” he recalled.
Although he missed that early opportunity, the years that followed were filled with memorable milestones. One standout experience was his interview with world-renowned musician Stevie Wonder. “I also had some memorable occasions, like interviewing Stevie Wonder when he came to Guyana and performed. A lot of people don’t know that. In fact, I had the privilege that 99% of the world doesn’t have. I actually drove Stevie Wonder from Radio Demerara on High Street back to the Pegasus. I was his chauffeur after the interview,” Robinson shared.
More than just moments of excitement, these interviews became tools for growth. Each conversation, he said, was an opportunity to improve his craft. “There were so many interviews I did with leading personalities, government ministers, religious leaders, that stand out in my career. But what they really did was teach me to be better prepared for each new one than I was for the last,” he said. This commitment to preparation and excellence is what keeps Robinson’s voice relevant and respected on the airwaves even today.
Preserving the Guyanese Voice
With over 50 years of experience in both broadcasting and theatre, Robinson has witnessed significant changes in both industries. While Guyanese creativity continues to thrive, he believes that more needs to be done to preserve authenticity – particularly in the radio industry. He’s especially passionate about keeping the “Guyanese sound” alive, urging young broadcasters to embrace their local identity rather than imitate foreign accents. “The imitation of Jamaicans, of Americans, we call ourselves Guyanese broadcasters, yet we’re trying to sound like something else. Does that mean we’re ashamed of being Guyanese, or ashamed of our accents?” he asked.
Robinson also reminisced about a time when local music was a staple on the air. “At one time, years ago, you had to play a Guyanese tune at least every quarter-hour. That was the rule. So you had to find music that fit your programme and play it within every 50 minutes. That meant you’d play two, three, even four Guyanese songs every hour, all day long,” he added.
As a founding member of the Theatre Company of Guyana and the creator of productions such as The Link Show and Merundoi, Robinson remains a passionate advocate for theatre and the arts. “I think theatre is a mirror to society, a reflection of ourselves. Whether it’s drama, comedy, or satire, theatre allows society to see itself in ways that traditional media can’t,” he explained. He believes both the public and the government have vital roles in supporting the arts. “Every country where the relationship between the people and the government is strong is one where the arts are encouraged, where journalism and theatre are seen as essential.”
A Living Legacy
Last Thursday, Robinson celebrated 70 years in theatre, an extraordinary milestone. It’s no surprise that many now refer to him as “the voice of Guyana,” a title he wears with humility. “I think maybe it’s just because I’ve been there so long. I’ve been on air before many people; maybe even their parents, were born. So I guess it’s a bit of respect for the years I’ve put in,” he said. “They call me Mr. Radio, but when someone else gets to my stage in radio, the same thing will happen to them.”
Today, Robinson can still be heard on the airwaves, offering listeners good music and thoughtful commentary, all steeped in Guyanese culture. Offering advice to aspiring journalists, he emphasised the importance of passion: “Enter with passion. Do it because you love it, whether it’s radio, print, or television. You should want to wake up and feel good about going to work.” As for him, that passion has never faded. “I wouldn’t still be doing this if I didn’t love it. I can’t seem to get rid of this thing called radio or theatre. And as I always say, on August 1, we celebrate Emancipation. But for me, August 1, 1965, I was emancipated by radio.”