KINGSTON, Jamaica — Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition and President of the People’s National Party (PNP) Dr Peter Phillips has expressed sadness by news of the death of veteran sports journalist Tony Becca.

Becca spent many years as sports editor at The Gleaner where he honed his skills and expertise.

“Tony Becca was a giant of Jamaican sports journalism. We shared a love of cricket and this, over many years, solidified our friendship. His passion for and reportage of sport, in particular cricket in Jamaica and the region elevated many Jamaican and indeed West Indies players unto the world stage. He saw Caribbean sports as a large extension of who we are as a people and he believed that our sports on the world stage was a powerful declaration of nationhood and independence,” Phillips recalled.

He said Becca was not only recognised regionally as the expert in his field, but also commanded global respect based on the extent of his knowledge, the reliability of his reports and the range of his experience.

“Becca’s body of work exemplifies his excellent standard of sport journalism. He was always willing and ready to share what he knew. His good nature and engaging disposition will be missed,” the Opposition leader said, as he offered condolences to his wife Cecelia, family and colleagues and friends.