KINGSTON, Jamaica — There is an outpouring of grief from Jamaicans from all walks of life this afternoon following news of the death of veteran broadcaster Dorraine Samuels.

Samuels, who recently underwent surgery, passed away today losing her battle to cancer.

She had officially retired from the RJR/Gleaner Communications Group on January 11 after nearly 40 years in media.

“Mi feel this, a swear, it’s almost like a family member has passed,” said one Facebook user sharing the sentiment of many others following news of Samuels’ passing.

“A golden voice gone in silence,” added another user.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed sincere condolences to Samuels’ family and friends on behalf of the Government.

“Her sincerity, integrity and significant contribution to broadcast media are unparalleled. We pray with the RJR/Gleaner group and the entire media fraternity in this their time of sorrow,” Holness said in a post to his Twitter page.

Meanwhile Leader of the Opposition, Dr Peter Phillips in a statement said: “Her passing has put the entire Jamaica in mourning. For over three decades in broadcasting, she reflected the best of the Jamaican personality; she was a person of warmth, fairness, balance and basic decency which mirrored the best of who we are as Jamaicans.”

He added that an entire generation grew up with Samuels’ voice in the mornings and she represented “the authentic source on which they could depend to deliver the news at various times of the day”.

“She never allowed herself to focus on the negatives; she was always fair to all. She was one who lifted people’s spirits through encouraging words and useful ideas in the Dorraine’s Coffee Break Morning Show and her fun side was front and central as the sidekick to veteran broadcaster Allan Magnus,” Dr Phillips said.

“Jamaica will miss her bright smile and her charming personality. On behalf of the entire People’s National Party family, I offer condolences to her family, colleagues and friends,” Dr Phillips added.

At the same time Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, described Samuels as “an exemplar for women in public life.”

“Dorraine’s work on radio and television has been outstanding and her contribution to Jamaican media has been exceptional. I am very sad to hear of her passing. This feels like the loss a member of the family. I believe that is how many Jamaicans saw Dorraine — she was like family and we admired, appreciated and loved her. We share this great loss with Dorraine’s family and colleagues and I ask that we keep them in our thoughts and prayers,” said Grange.