The nation reacted with shock and disbelief to the murder of veteran journalist Barbara Gayle, whose body was found at her home in St Catherine on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the killing as senseless and said he has asked the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served swiftly in this matter.

Describing the slain Gleaner reporter as “a stalwart of Jamaican journalism” who became one of the nation’s most respected and accomplished court reporters, Holness said Gayle’s career was “defined by truth, justice, and transparency”.

“I extend my deepest condolence to Barbara Gayle’s immediate family, her friends, and her colleagues at The Gleaner.

“Her dedication and contributions to journalism have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s media landscape.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew her and were touched by her work. She gave so much to the media profession and our country,” the prime minister said.

“This act of violence is deeply disturbing and tragic… May Barbara Gayle’s legacy of professionalism, courage, and integrity inspire us all,” he added.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said she was deeply saddened to learn of Gayle’s death.

“This is tragic and another of the senseless killings bedevilling our society. I hope those responsible for this heinous deed will be swiftly caught and brought to justice,” Grange said and extended condolence Gayle’s family, relatives, friends, associates and colleagues at The Gleaner.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said he was deeply disappointed and saddened to learn of Gayle’s death.

“I have known Barbara for more than 40 years. She reported on many of the trial cases I did from the mid-80s into the 90s. In recent decades she brought many problems, concerns, and weaknesses in the court system to my attention and urged their correction,” Chuck said.

“Barbara was renowned for her impactful court reporting and dedication to the Jamaican media. She has passed away, leaving a legacy of excellence and integrity in journalism and court reporting,” he said, adding that she “will be greatly missed”.

Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, the minister of education, skills, youth and information, also described Gayle’s murder as brutal and senseless, saying that it “underscores the need for greater efforts to protect all individuals from such heinous acts of violence”.

Morris Dixon said that the honour bestowed on Gayle last month by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) for her outstanding contribution to journalism was “a testament to her remarkable career and her immeasurable impact on the media landscape in Jamaica”.

The PAJ, in its response, expressed sadness at Gayle’s murder and described her as “a trailblazing journalist who dedicated her life to chronicling the complexities of Jamaica’s justice system”.

“As the nation’s pre-eminent court reporter for The Gleaner, Barbara’s unparalleled dedication to the court beat set a standard for beat reporting, earning her the trust and respect of judges, attorneys, prosecutors, and court staff,” PAJ President Dashan Hendricks said.

“Throughout her illustrious career, Barbara demonstrated a commitment to justice and transparency, meticulously reporting on criminal trials, civil suits, appeals, and landmark decisions,” he added.

He noted that in late November, during National Journalism Week, the PAJ honoured Gayle for her years of dedicated service to journalism at the annual PAJ Veterans’ luncheon and said the association was shocked and outraged by the confirmation that her death was a result of murder.

“We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the PAJ president said.

The Media Association Jamaica (MAJ) also expressed shock at the news of Gayle’s murder and said it “joins with all well-thinking Jamaicans in encouraging cooperation with the security forces to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice”.

Noting that Gayle was known for her amiable manner and gentle personality, the MAJ said her work, “especially covering activities in the law courts, is considered by most to be unparalleled”.

“It is therefore with a sense of great loss that we received the news today that, after being recognised only a few weeks ago as a veteran journalist for her contribution to the media in Jamaica, she would have suffered such a dastardly fate,” the association said and extended sympathy to her colleagues, especially at The Gleaner, her immediate family members, and the wider media fraternity.

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) also expressed sadness and outrage at Gayle’s killing, saying that it “represents not just a loss to her family and loved ones, but also to Jamaica’s media fraternity and the nation as a whole”.

“Her work brought light to some of the most critical legal matters in our history, and she earned the respect of the courts, legal minds, and the public she served with diligence,” PNP spokeswoman on information Nekeisha Burchell said in a statement.

“Her tireless reporting gave voice to justice and transparency in our courts. Her death is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers many face amidst rising insecurity across our nation. The People’s National Party stands with Barbara’s family, colleagues, and all Jamaicans who are grieving today. We call for justice, and we reiterate our commitment to addressing the root causes of crime so that no family, no journalist, and no citizen must endure such a tragedy,” Burchell said.

Meanwhile, Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, himself a former journalist, described Gayle as a professional who had a stellar career.

“She was a mentor, a friend, and a good woman. She had absolutely no pretences about her. In a world of much deceit, Barbara was able to maintain her integrity. She was a pure soul who always meant well,” Fitz-Henley said in a statement.

“When I began my career in media at about 20 years old, Barbara taught me how to do court reporting and would often check in. I spoke to her a few weeks ago. She rang to say she is proud of me and that’s something she’d do from time to time, check in to say keep going,” he said, adding that she often sent him motivational messages in the morning via WhatsApp.

“I am heartbroken at her passing under what preliminary reports suggest to be cruel circumstances. I urge the police to spare no effort in bringing to justice whoever is responsible for taking her life… Barbara Gayle is an outstanding Jamaican,” he said.

President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica Pastor Everett Brown also expressed deep sadness at Gayle’s death, saying that “it brings to focus the serious monster of crime that we all have to face, as criminals have become no respecter of persons”.

He noted that Gayle served at Riverton Meadows Seventh-day Adventist Church as community services and children ministries director and expressed condolence to her family.