KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ)  has joined many others in extending its condolences to the family and friends of the late Lester Spaulding, chairman of the RJR/Gleaner Communications Group.

PAJ, in a release today, said Spaulding’s contribution to the development of the RJR/Gleaner Group is well known, with his rise from chief clerk of Radio Jamaica, to the position he held at the time of his passing, chairman of the RJR/Gleaner Group.

The group expanded significantly under his stewardship, with the recent acquisition of the Gleaner making the RJR/Gleaner Communications Group one of the largest media houses in the Caribbean.

“Spauding’s influence was also felt throughout the Caribbean, where he served for years in several capacities, as a director of the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union and as the first chairman of the Caribbean Media Corporation,” PAJ noted, adding that he was widely admired for his vision and industry, and his deep interest in the future of, and direction of media in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

“His life and work have impacted thousands of lives, and his influence on media in Jamaica and the Caribbean will live on for years to come,” PAJ stated.