High Court rules against ‘Heritage’ in radio feud

The High Court has dismissed a case brought by Floyd “Heritage” Burnett, operating as Tola Radio VI, against Caribbean Cellular Telephone Ltd (CCT) in the Virgin Islands.

Burnett sought interim relief after CCT terminated their long-standing service agreement. The dispute originated from a 2021 agreement in which CCT provided tower space, power, internet, and phone services to Burnett’s radio station in exchange for advertising CCT’s products. This arrangement was valued at over $60,000 annually and was renewed yearly until June 2023. The agreement was not renewed in 2024, and CCT issued a termination notice effective July 31, 2024.

In an email sent to CCT in August 2024, Burnett pleaded for “one more chance” and apologised for his “unprofessional behaviour”. He acknowledged that CCT “had had it with him” and that “an apology is not an easy fix” to the issue. Burnett then requested an extension to the end of 2024 to “seek financial aid and figure out a new location and tower-sharing agreements.” After negotiations fell through, Burnett requested an injunction to compel CCT to restore power to its towers on Jost Van Dyke and Peter Island, which he claimed was critical for his broadcasting operations.