Mohan, a patriot

MEDIA personality Mohan Jaikaran passed away at his Westmoorings home on Sunday night. Jaikaran, founder and chairman of WINTV and Massala Radio 101.1fm, was also a former vice-chairman at Caribbean Airlines. And while the cause of his death is unknown, reports say he had been ailing for some time.

In a statement yesterday, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar lamented his passing saying he was a “dedicated patriot” and pioneering businessman who had served the nation in many categories.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Mr Mohan Jaikaran,” Persad-Bissessar stated, adding, “on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend condolences to Mr Jaikaran’s family and to his business associates at WINTV and Massala Radio 101.1 fm.”

“Trinidad and Tobago and the region have suffered a severe blow with the passing of Mr Jaikaran. He was a humble man who had a passion for helping people while seeking no rewards for his kindness,” Persad-Bissessar stated.

“He was a pioneering businessman in the media and entertainment sector, and a philanthropist with an eye for talent. He discovered many Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean performers and gave them their first break,” she stated and noted Jaikaran had also “donated hugely” to charity and was a “community builder focusing on local talent and indigenous culture.”

Persad-Bissessar recalled that he was a “very respected media executive and entrepreneur” who established his business credentials in New York but had always remained close to his homeland.

She pointed out that he had also expanded the broadcast reach of WINTV to Canada and Great Britain, and had planned to enter the United States broadcasting market. The Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) also expressed its “sorrow and heartfelt condolences” on Jaikaran’s death.

“Mr Jaikaran’s influence and impact on the broadcast media landscape in T&T has been profound and inspiring. His television and radio frequencies have filled a gap in local Indian programming.

“WIN Communications has contributed greatly to unearthing young, local broadcasting talent and expanding the media industry in a multi-cultural society. He was a noted supporter of the arts and culture in Trinidad and Tobago,” MATT stated, adding that he was also regarded as a “father figure” and role model to many of the employees at WIN Communications and had always encouraged the emerging talents in the network’s newsrooms.

Meanwhile, fellow promoter, Rafi Mohammed said he could not believe Jaikaran had died.

“His vision for Caribbean talent reaching the international market is unmatched. Many local artistes owe their first taste of international exposure to this gentleman through many collaborations we did in the early days,” he said.

Mohammed recalled he had spoken to Jaikaran one week ago regarding concerts at the club in New York and pointed out that Jiakaran had left “a void that will be hard to fill since Jaikaran had a passion for local talent and culture.”

The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce praised the former business tycoon for his significant contribution to the development of Chaguanas and Central Trinidad. The Chamber noted he took “a risk to open WINTV in the heart of Chaguanas” at a time when not many were fully aware of the growth and development taking place in Chaguanas and the wider Central area.