A Bermudian-born radio personality recently celebrated 20 years of activism on the airwaves on the Island of St. Thomas.

This week Eileen Ottley Jackson, affectionately known as "Ms J'', recalled that when she was a child her teacher, Edna Mae Scott, warned her that "your mouth will either make you or break you''.

And Ms Jackson admits she has never shied away from being vocal about political and community issues.

Ms Jackson's hour-long radio talk show airs on WSTA "Lucky 13'' in St. Thomas on Wednesday afternoons and addresses social, economic, and political issues.

"I like to keep my shows very positive, but I've still interviewed just about every political figure in St. Thomas,'' the veteran talk show host, who is visiting family in Bermuda for the holidays, said.

During the course of her 20-year radio career, Ms Jackson has hosted a talk show entitled "You'' which stressed personal development and "Zest For Living'' which addressed health concerns such as prostate and breast cancer.

The outspoken announcer has lived in St. Thomas for the past 30 years with husband Ishmael and 21-year-old daughter Faithe.

And Ms Jackson admits that although she is heavily involved in the St. Thomas community, she has not forgotten her Bermudian roots.

She explained that she keeps abreast of Bermudian current events while in St.

Thomas, and expressed her concern over Bermuda's growing drug problem.

"It breaks my heart to see what Bermuda has become,'' she said.

"I'm a very community-minded person and I've seen a lot of changes in Bermuda that are no different from the ones I've seen in St. Thomas,'' she added.

Ms Jackson added that she has also seen some improvements to the Island since she lived here more than 30 years ago.

"I'm glad to see young blacks in Parliament,'' she said. "And I'm glad that Bermudians are more vocal than we used to be.'' She also complimented Bermuda's traditional cleanliness and Bermudian hospitality.

Locally, Ms Jackson has at least one relative who has followed in her footsteps.

Her nephew Donovan Adams, whom she refers to as "an extension of the tree'', is a DJ on Power 95 radio station.

Although Ms Jackson has no immediate plans to return to Bermuda, she commented that if she ever decided to return to the Island she would attempt to bring about changes much in the same way that she has in St. Thomas.

"No matter where I live, Bermuda is still my birthright,'' she added with a smile.

MAKING AIRWAVES -- Eileen Ottley Jackson, also known as "Ms J'', is a Bermudian radio personality in St. Thomas.

Graphic file name: WOOMAN BERMUDIAN BDA