KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) says that Jamaica has lost one of the most talented broadcasters in the business following the death of veteran broadcaster Dorraine Samuels today.

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

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

PAJ President George Davis says Samuels’ passing will leave a significant void in the profession.

“Dorraine was one of the few broadcasters who was able to seamlessly move between the media of radio and television. She was not only a broadcaster, but someone who also worked tirelessly to aid the less fortunate,” said Davis.

He added that she was “a breath of fresh air on the airwaves, and we welcomed her into our homes daily over the decades, whether she was delivering the major newscasts on RJR, or hosting her various radio programmes, The Sunday Magazine, Jamaica Today, and Dorraine’s Coffee Break.”

For 14 years, she also co-anchored Prime Time News on TVJ.

The PAJ said it twice recognised Samuels for her exemplary service in journalism.

“The Association first honoured Dorraine in 2004. Also honoured that year was Alan Magnus, who co-hosted RJR’s flagship morning programme Good Morning Jamaica with her for two decades.

“In 2012, Dorraine was again the toast of the PAJ, when she was one of five “News Anchors of Excellence” recognised during National Journalism Week,” the PAJ said.