The recent promotion of Ian’ Cupid” Gill as the General Manager of the National Housing Corporation follows the good Barbadian – and indeed, Combermerian – tradition of those coming from obscure beginnings to make an indelible mark on their community

Such has been Gill’s story, starting as a very young helper in his aunt Vashti’s shop in St. George and honing those very organisational and responsibility skills that would serve him in good stead later in life.

From the shop, Ian would go on to the hallowed halls of Waterford where he excelled as an athlete, and was mentioned in the same breath as Harcourt Wason and Orlando ‘Snoops’ Greene. Again, Gill was showing the determination, discipline and sense of organisational responsibility that would be needed in his after-school endeavours.

Upon leaving secondary school, Gill would go on to earn his marketing qualifications and soon begin to make his mark in the broadcast media. There, his voice became a staple as an announcer and later as a provider of advice; again, showing that while he was often walking with celebrities and persons in high authority, he never lost the common touch. In this way, he was able to win friends and influence listeners from all walks of life.

Gill’s foray into elective politics also showed a glimpse into his community inclinations. 

In ensuing years, “radio-land” and community outreach have been his havens, all the while preparing him for leadership at the national level where he now sits at the helm of Barbados’ governing body for one of the country’s most pressing social needs: housing.

Up and On, Cupid! May God guide you to continue to break records and influence the grassroots members of your community.