KINGSTON, Jamaica — Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips is expressing sadness at the passing of the late chairman of the RJR/Gleaner Communications Group Lester Spaulding.

In a release today, Phillips said Jamaica and the media fraternity have lost one of its giants. He was a patriotic Jamaican who always considered a free and fair press to be a part of good governance in the country.

He added that the local and regional media fraternity has lost a pioneer, devoted advocate and consummate friend.

Phillips also noted that Spaulding who was a professional accountant, was a visionary who was particularly instrumental in establishing and modernising the media landscape in Jamaica and the region.

“He was a giant in the industry and the nation will cherish his legacy of building the RJR into a multi-platform communication entity… [and] was central to the merger of the RJR/Gleaner Group and that this vibrant entity, that he led up to the time of his passing, continues to be a leader in the industry, a bastion of credibility that faithfully serves Jamaicans at home and abroad.

 “I’m offering my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Mr Spaulding and by extension the RJR/Gleaner family and the wider media fraternity,” Phillips said.