PM: A vanguard of democracy has left us

JAMAICA’S political and media leaders yesterday paid glowing tributes to journalist John Maxwell, recalling his passionate advocacy of the powerless and describing him as a fearless warrior for justice and a stalwart of the profession.

Maxwell, who died at his home Friday afternoon from respiratory failure, was 76.

In his tribute, Prime Minister Bruce Golding described Maxwell as one of the Caribbean’s brightest and most outspoken journalists.

Describing him as one of the vanguards of democracy, Golding said that Maxwell, in his over 50 years as a journalist, gained the utmost respect for his fearless and outspoken views and commentaries.

“He lived life passionately and took that same approach and dedication to his profession as a journalist who managed to exercise his craft in every area of the media, leaving his indelible mark. His death is a tremendous loss to his profession,” Golding said.

He extended condolence to Maxwell’s wife, Dr Marjan deBruin, his children, members of his family, his colleagues in the media and friends.

Jamaica the luckier for his work — opposition leader

OPPOSITION Leader Portia Simpson Miller said that for many Jamaicans, John Maxwell symbolised the consummate advocate.

“He was fearless in expressing his opinions on any and all the issues that attracted his attention. His wit was razor sharp and his research acumen unquestionable.,” said Simpson Miller.

“He will be missed. My prayers are with his family and close friends during this, their time of grief.”

Maxwell’s interests, she said, were many and varied. “The journey of his life was marked by many milestones. These included standing as a candidate for representational politics, having gone up for the People’s National Party in the West Kingston constituency in the 1972 General Elections,” Simpson Miller recalled.

“John was also an unapologetic champion of Jamaica’s natural environment. His contribution in that field yielded the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and his voice would always be heard providing ‘guidance’ to developers on how to proceed with projects in the most ‘environmentally friendly’ way,” she added.

“The collection of articles, papers and opinions he has written throughout his career, if and when collated, would certainly track and document Jamaica’s Social, environmental, political and economic development over the last 50 years.

“This country is the luckier for the work of John Maxwell,” said Simpson Miller.

PAJ: Maxwell a fearless warrior

THE Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) joins the media fraternity in Jamaica and the Caribbean in paying tribute to one of its most devoted sons, John Maxwell, who passed away late Friday after a long illness.

Maxwell has contributed more than 50 years to journalism, the last two decades of which have been devoted to his legendary advocacy for environmental justice.

PAJ President Jenni Campbell hailed Maxwell as “one of the longest shining beacons of the profession, a strident defender of truth, a fearless warrior for justice and a stalwart of the profession.”

In his tribute, Past President Desmond Richards remembers John as an “indefatigable fighter for press freedom and the rights of the small man to access to the media. He is irreplaceable.”

Veteran journalist Claude Robinson, who was John’s co-worker at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation during the 1960s and 70s, says he “wore his journalism on his sleeve. He was brave, courageous and inquisitive.”

Robinson recalls John as a “believer in the developmental use of radio to empower voiceless people”, noting that he pioneered radio talk show with Public Eye, where he launched a campaign on behalf of domestic helpers, and ultimately influenced the introduction of the national minimum wage policy.

Retired Gleaner Editor-in-Chief Ken Allen, who along with John were among the first set of trainee journalists employed by The Gleaner in the early 1950s, remembers him as a “brilliant writer and a lively, bright fellow who was not afraid of arguing or challenging other points of view”.

The PAJ mourns John’s passing and encourages his family to take comfort in his envious journalistic legacy.

Fierce champion of free, but responsible press — MAJ

THE Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) is saddened by the passing of veteran journalist, environmentalist and media lecturer John Maxwell.

Even though we in the media fraternity were aware of his extended period of illness, his death occasions a deep level of sadness among us.

John will be remembered for his fierce championing of a free but responsible press and for high standards in practising one’s media craft.

His fearless advocacy for improved standards for journalists and his stout defence of the independence of the journalist have served the media profession well.

John’s wealth of experience and the expansive breadth of his reading and knowledge made him one of the most aware media practitioners across generations.

His knowledge, experience, research and awareness made him an excellent lecturer, commentator, analyst and writer.

He and his work will be long remembered and respected.

The MAJ expresses condolences to his family and colleagues and wishes them comfort in this period of grief.