The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has expressed regret at the death of popular CVM Television videographer Paul Byfield, who died on September 29 and was buried on Saturday.

The PAJ in a news release said:

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

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

“Although Paul had no formal training in journalism, he was one of the finest video journalists in our 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. 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.

“It would be fair to say that Mr 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. 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,” the PAJ said.