Embattled radio disc jockey Barrington 'Barry G' Gordon says he's still in shock after being fired by western Jamaica radio station Hot 102. He was dismissed two weeks ago. At that time executive director of the station Godfrey Dyer told The Gleaner Gordon was fired because of what he called "attitudinal problems".
However, Gordon said he had taken 10 days 'working vacation' to London from where he would broadcast his programmes The Barry G Show and Link Up.
"It was shocking to be in London and get a phone call from someone who said they heard that I was fired from the station. I mean, the day after I applied for my leave, they handed me a trophy for 25 years in broadcasting," he exclaimed.
Gordon was a contractual worker with the station.
"I had already applied for vacation and the promoters in London had invited me to be the Jamaican MC for their show, along with David Rodigan. I sought sponsorship to go to England and advised the station of my plans for vacation, which I usually take at that time every year. I would have also been earning revenue for the station during that time.
"When I was in London and called through, the presenter told me there was a directive not to allow me on the air. I later learnt from the newspapers that I was fired," he said.
Gordon, who has worked at four radio stations (one twice) in his 25-year career, is concerned about the situation.
"Of course, there are times when I question policy decisions which I don't believe are in the best interest of the station and I don't apologise for that. I am a team player and I like to help. My intention has never been to topple anybody's apple cart," he said.
In fact, he has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Hot 102. "I would really like to talk to the directors...and if they didn't feel that I should be out, then I'd contemplate going back."
One of his options now is to become host of a simulcast programme, which will include Trinidad, Miami, New York, Los Angeles and London.
