KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) joins colleagues at CVM Television and the wider fraternity in paying tribute to videographer/correspondent Paul Byfield, who died on September 29 after a long battle with cancer.

Professionally, Byfield served CVM and television news journalism for approximately 20 years covering the parishes of Manchester, St Elizabeth, Southern Trelawny, and even parts of Clarendon.

The PAJ said although Byfield had no formal training in journalism, he was one of the finest video journalists in this time.

“He knew a good story when he saw one and would go to great lengths to pursue it. He had a commitment to excellence and would always go the extra mile to get the story,” the PAJ said on Saturday. “Over the years Mr Byfield has been involved in a number of crashes as he sought to pursue a story.

“Mr Byfield was even shot at while covering a siege at the Spalding Police Station, and a bullet grazed him on that occasion,” the association said.

The PAJ said it would be fair to say Byfield knew all business leaders, politicians, police commanders, policemen, hoteliers, doctors, teachers, parish council officials and was able to get interviews when most other journalists couldn’t.

“His stories were thorough and comprehensive… he will perhaps be best remembered for his investigative story on the horrible conditions in which noodles were being prepared in Manchester,” the PAJ continued. “This story captivated the nation for weeks and led to changes in the preparation of noodles.”

Paul Byfield was 54-years-old at the time of his death.

“We offer our condolences to his family, especially his wife Jenny and his 14 children, friends and colleagues in the media,” PAJ said.