Dear Editor,

The Press Association of Jamaica joins the rest of Jamaica in expressing shock and sadness at the passing of veteran journalist Ian Boyne, who died on Monday in the University Hospital of the West Indies following a brief illness.

Ian’s contribution to the field of journalism as deputy chief executive officer of the Jamaica Information Service, a columnist with The Gleaner Company and host of Television Jamaica‘s programmes, Religious Hardtalk and Profile, is well documented.

The iconic Profile achieved a record as one of the country’s longest-running programmes when it recently celebrated 30 years on air. It gave hope to, and motivated thousands of young people to believe that they too could achieve their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.

Ian served the journalistic fraternity with pride, passion and consummate professionalism. He was respected by politicians on both sides of the aisle, being recognised as fair and balanced even as he told his truth.

His meticulously researched columns for The Sunday Gleaner were required reading for many Jamaicans, whether they agreed with him or not, and garnered for him on several occasions the Press Association of Jamaica’s Morris Cargill Award for Opinion Journalism, which he won in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009. He had strong opinions on a wide range of issues, and was never afraid to turn the spotlight on his beloved profession, and critique us strongly, if he felt it was warranted.

At the same time, Ian will also be remembered by young journalists as one who was quick to give advice and encouragement, and his ready laughter would put others at ease as they benefited from his wealth of experience.

The Press Association of Jamaica extends deepest condolence to Boyne’s family, friends and colleagues on the loss of a giant of our profession.

Dionne Jackson Miller

President

Press Association of Jamaica

pressassociationjamaica@gmail.com