The Tribune

Radical and unconventional, Chrissy Love had the eyes and ears of The Bahamas and beyond on her on Election Day. Serena Williams lauds her effect on an historic day in politics

On Election Day 2017, as we watched politicians of all affiliations wage war on the political battlefield, nearly a million eyes were transfixed by interactive text commentary, courtesy of the 'Social Media Queen' Chrissy Love and her Facebook stage, 'Chrissy Love Live & Raw!'

As she held court and kept us transfixed with her mercurial acerbic wit, observations and interpretations of Election Day happenings, and a no-holds-barred point of view, she broke social media records for the most watched, shared and viewed Facebook page in Bahamian history.

When she moved her show onto Facebook last year Christina 'Chrissy Love' Thompson was already a household name with legions of faithful followers built up over a 25-year career in radio. Her new Facebook outlet gave her an unbridled freedom of voice and view so often curtailed by her nervous radio show bosses in the past.

With stimulating topical and controversial content, she quickly expanded her audience and with rising Google ratings, savvy retailers were quick to sponsor her show as she mainlined daily thrills to their target market. Her rancid view of the then government of the day, the Progressive Liberal Party, formed the core of her discourse to an ever expanding fan base that identified with the high voltage, outraged narrative and condemnation of the administration.

Her reputation spread as, fearlessly, she shocked us with her imprudent accusations of government mismanagement, her indignant outrage on the victimisation of ordinary people - herself included - and those too scared to speak for themselves. She spoke fervently and disparagingly without fear of retribution it seemed, and close friends talked quietly about the ability to raise bail money if she were arrested.

She was audacious, fiery and scarily exciting. Along the way she won friends and made enemies, but whatever your opinion of her, there was no denying she had connected with her audience.

For many, her strong opinion fearlessly voiced was a revelation and it made them question their previously held silent acceptance of the status quo. Daily she railed and raged against injustice and corruption, and as the election drew near, she pressed hard and drove home her message to a spellbound audience - vote them out!

On Election Day, she characteristically bucked the system, broadcasting and streaming live for most of 16 hours from several New Providence polling stations and then with the results and commentary at the Taj Mahal restaurant on Parliament Street late into the night.

The more traditional broadcast media outlets, governed by Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) rules, were barred from any political coverage until the polls closed.

Typically Chrissy, she shared her opinion of the regulatory stance. "Since 1982 when I covered my first elections, I always wondered why that law was in effect, the government, the Public Utilities Corporation (which would eventually become URCA) and the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas strictly forbade it. That left an indelible impression on my 20-year-old mind. I felt it was archaic then and still today in 2017.

"Moving my show to the world-wide-web, the internet, at this particular time in our history was obviously meant to be," she explained. "My radio bosses would never have let me campaign for change as I've been able to do on Facebook. I'm proud I was able to support a movement that helped bring this about. I'm extremely pleased and grateful to have the freedom to own and disseminate my unique views on life and interact with a live audience who also have opinions and ideas that I appreciate.

"Technology has provided a timely assist for me, and I will use it to its fullest extent. Likely I won't host a radio talk show again. 'Chrissy Love Live & Raw!' on my Facebook page is a walk show, meaning we will walk the talk, showcasing conversations with people who are walking through the Bahamas and worldwide, leaving positive impressions of the best of us. Thanks to all who support this movement to revolutionise media, The Bahamas, and the world."

Chrissy Love is best known for firing up Bahamian radio and television for well over two decades with radical messages that stand the test of time. She has made her mark in her inimitable way, as one who is forever chafing against the restrictions of an increasingly sexist and patriarchal society and industry. She continues her journey on the Internet using social media platforms Facebook Live, YouTube, Sound Cloud, iTunes and via her popular App 'Chrissy Love Live & Raw.' Her Facebook page talk show has been a favourite since November 8, 2016, when she debuted it from the US Presidential Elections.

• Serena Williams is an independent writer and owner of a public relations and communications company in Sandyport. She has been resident in The Bahamas for more than 25 years.