Dear Editor,

Like most Jamaicans, yesterday this writer was quite shocked upon hearing that veteran journalist Ian Boyne had died.

Though I did not agree with his critiques of free market economics or share his sentiments for social justice, I often admired him for his passion and understanding of deep philosophical issues.

Boyne may not have known, but his weekly columns in The Sunday Gleaner caused many youngsters to develop an interest in international affairs. As a sixth form student it was always interesting to read his columns and then debate their contents with my schoolmates. Reading Boyne’s articles encouraged us to read widely and develop our own arguments. He was so respected that it was a cause for concern when he did not comment on an issue we deemed to be important. Ian Boyne may not have known us personally, but his impact on our intellectual lives is without bounds. Boyne taught us many lessons through his columns and for that, we thank him.

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com