VETERAN journalist Monica Dias succumbed to cancer yesterday at the Andrews Memorial Hospital, St Andrew, plunging the journalism profession into mourning for an affable colleague who championed the rights of the child.

Dias, who was 56, is survived by daughter, Cheryl Williams, god-daughter, Tara-Gayle Allen and sister Sadie Dickson.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) joined members of the media fraternity in paying tribute to Dias, describing as outstanding her more than thirty-five years of service to journalism.

“Monica was a substantial human being who valued her relationship with people above all else,” the PAJ quoted former president and close friend, Desmond Allen as saying in a release.

Allen said Dias was part of a tightly knit group of journalists who started their career at The Gleaner, remaining good friends throughout their lives. They include Wilton Dyer, Clarence ‘Ben’ Brodie, Garfield Myers, Headley ‘Dellmar’ Samuels, Claudine Boothe and the late Fitzroy Nation.

Dias left the newspaper in 1980 to join the Town Planning Department and moved from there to the Metropolitan Parks and Market (MPM), before going on to the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). She later joined the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) where she remained until her passing.

While at UNICEF she was instrumental in the establishment of the Jamaica Coalition on the Rights of the Child and figured in all the major achievements of the organisation.

“Monica was very bright and very knowledgeable on world affairs. She was generous to a fault and someone you could never hold a grudge against,” added Allen who recalled Dias’ sterling contribution to the PAJ, especially as secretary during his 1997-2000 administration.

Claire Forrester, former PAJ secretary, said Dias was a person of enormous credibility, and “a true professional that I could always depend on”.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Wilton Dyer, who described her as a professional who paid meticulous attention to the fundamentals of journalism. He added that she enjoyed a good laugh.

Photo journalist, Dellmar Samuels and wife Carol, who were also close friends of Dias, said: “She fought her battle with cancer like a champion.” Dellmar called her an excellent reporter with a great personality, and a hard worker with a brilliant mind.

Dias served the PAJ in several capacities beginning in the late 1970s. Earlier this year the PAJ awarded her special honour and sent good wishes for a speedy recovery.

In the past few days, former PAJ president, Donna Ortega – along with Allen and Forrester – visited Dias in the hospital. They reported that she was in high spirits, despite her pain and battle with the terrible disease.

The Press Association of Jamaica extended condolences to Monica’s loved ones and colleagues.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.