'Motty' Perkins was a hard fighter with a probing pen

BY PATRICK FOSTER Sunday Observer staff reporter fosterp@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THROUGHOUT his career in journalism, Wilmot 'Motty' Perkins won a legion of fans, many of whom became repeat callers to his talk shows.

They were a Perkins club of sorts, contributing dialogue that was either rich in analysis, trenchant in criticism, or comical and down-to-earth.

One such caller is real estate dealer Barry Wahrmann, who says he and Perkins both shared a long friendship and the same birthday.

"I am sad for his passing, but happy that Jamaica could produce such a mind; he was not afraid of principalities and powers," Wahrmann told the Sunday Observer Friday, hours after the country received the sad news of Perkins' passing.

"He proved you do not have to go to university," Wahrmann said, adding that before Perkins entered journalism he attended St Peter's Theological College but never finished his Theology course.

"Motty was an avid reader and that should encourage our young people to read more," Wahrmann suggested.

Perkins, who died shortly after 1:00 am Friday at the age of 80, was born and raised in Portland before he attended Calabar High School in Kingston.

Another close colleague of Perkins, former Jamaica Information Service (JIS) head Ken Jones, said their friendship goes back to the mid-1950s when both worked together at Public Opinion newspaper in Kingston.

"It was at that great institution that he honed his journalistic talent as well as his abiding concern for humanity, with special emphasis on the plight of the poor and the inarticulate," Jones shared.

"Motty was a hard fighter who never bore a grudge. He often crossed verbal swords with friends; and we all understood that the exchange was merely to test wits and explore ideas; never to inflict injury to anyone's personal pride. To be sure, he had foes who saw his probing pen and sharp argument as instruments of war."

Jones recalled when Perkins was summoned before Parliament by the ruling People's National Party (PNP) during the turbulent 1970s to answer questions on his political views.

"At that time, he was defending the integrity of the whole profession; and he did so with dignity and great skill. He never made much if afterwards," said Jones. "We in the profession are indebted to him and I believe we stand as one in mourning his departure."

Jones commented that Perkins' wife Elaine, another accomplished journalist, for many years "turned down the brilliance of her light" in order to support and stand by her celebrated husband. For years she assisted Perkins in the studio, reading correspondence as his eyesight failed.

On Friday, minister with responsibility for information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, expressed sadness at Perkins' death on behalf of the PNP.

"His passing has robbed Jamaica of an outspoken and fearless journalist and talk-show host who would never back down from his convictions about any issue," said Falconer.

"Our nation needs journalists who keep debates about issues in our society alive, and radio talk show host 'Motty' Perkins was supreme. His programme welcomed all guests, but his discussions were rightfully tuned to challenge the actions and statements of persons who hold elected office," she added.

"Despite his incisive thoughts about leaders, he was still a simple man who could laugh with and express genuine sorrow with his callers from all walks of life who shared their stories with him on a daily basis."

In its tribute, the parliamentary Opposition and the Jamaica Labour Party said they were saddened at the passing of "an outstanding journalist and son of the soil".

"Mr Perkins was an iconic figure whose work and words as a journalist and talk-show host penetrated across the length and breadth of Jamaica, giving hope to the many who listened him," Opposition Leader Andrew Holness said. "He was inspiring as he was provocative. He championed the cause of the poor, the vulnerable and victims of injustice. He could never be ignored."

Holness said that Perkins' grasp and depth of varying subject matters placed him in a league by himself, and as a result, the media landscape will never be the same.

"Motty Perkins' capacity to take on any caller, his overpowering laughter and sense of humour will leave an indelible mark in our minds," said Holness.

"I hope that his work will be an example to many young journalists and that his memory will continue to be an inspiration for Jamaicans from all walks of life. Wilmot 'Motty' Perkins will be truly missed," Holness added.

Also Friday, the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) joined the rest of Jamaica in mourning the passing of the "feisty and argumentative" Perkins, whose influence on developments in Jamaica as a talk-show host, reporter, editor and columnist, it said, could not be overstated.

"Motty was a well-informed, fiery journalist who was willing to challenge the establishment and question every statement placed before him," said PAJ President Jenni Campbell.

Perkins, for years, gave a voice to the voiceless and could be depended on to champion the cause of the oppressed and the victimised at all times.

Young reporters who worked with Perkins speak of his willingness to offer advice and guidance while being intolerant of sloppy journalism, said the PAJ statement.

"There is no doubt that the local media landscape will be poorer with the passing of Perkins," Campbell said.

The Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) described Perkins as an excellent and outspoken journalist who will be "remembered for his immense knowledge of Jamaican and world history, as well as for his fearless nature and confidence".

According to the MAJ, Perkins executed his programmes with passion and invited audiences from all walks of society to express their views and debate current issues.

"Motty's contributions will not be forgotten and our memories of his enthusiasm will live on," the MAJ said.

Also paying tribute to Perkins was the National Democratic Movement (NDM) which said his passing represented the end of an era.

"It was his teachings which stimulated the thinking that eventually led to the establishment of the National Democratic Movement," the political party said and saluted him "for his well-known, firm stand against 'garrison' politics and his strong advocacy for true separation of powers".

The NDM also extended condolence not just to Perkins' immediate family but also to "the thousands of fans and ardent listeners of his talk show programme".

Perkins' years in radio saw him hosting talk shows on the now defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, RJR, KLAS FM 89, Hot 102 FM and Power 106 FM, where he was working until shortly before his passing.

In addition to Public Opinion, his career in print journalism also saw him working at the The Gleaner.

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'Motty' Perkins was a hard fighter with a probing pen