Dear Editor,

Ian Boyne, God’s special gift to Jamaica, has been called back home. Not even my Hezekiah prayer could have kept him here any longer. He had done enough to inspire us all, and the Almighty Creator, the Giver of Life wanted him back. His mission was accomplished.

Like so many others, I have had the honour of appearing on Religious Hard Talk. Ian always liked what he deemed to be an interesting story. So in October 2003, when I renounced religion, he invited me to tell my story.

I followed Ian Boyne’s professional journey and have been a keen follower of Profile, Religious Hard Talk and In Focus. I also know of his work with Jamaica Information Service‘s Issues and Answers programme, and his being a minister of his church, Church of God International.

He obviously read widely, as he would always quote from economics, history, politics, religion, and was quite knowledgeable of local culture. A man with great intellect, and at the same time pretty humble and respectful and never one to insult anyone.

I am happy that on January 2 last year I took the opportunity to express to him in an e-mail my profound appreciation for his outstanding contribution to Jamaica and for which he acknowledged and thanked me. I would like to quote the contents of my note to him then:

“Thank you, Ian, for your continued inspiration to Jamaica and the rest of the world for that matter.

“I have encouraged a number of youngsters, including relatives of mine, to make Profile required local television watching. I will refer your article today on ‘Profile of Prosperity’ to be required reading as well.

“Thank you and a blessed 2017!”

Ian, it is so easy to love some people and you were one such person. You were such an inspiration.

The light of the Almighty shine on you perpetually. Rest in peace.

Eileen Powell

Mile Gully, Manchester

eileenpowell52@gmail.com