MONTEGO BAY, St James — The first of his parents’ seven children to attend college, Leslie Miles studied agriculture. He found his way to journalism years later and that is where he left his mark.

Last Saturday, before Miles was laid to rest, Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, as well as media practitioners, paid glowing tributes to the veteran journalist.

In a speech that was read by journalist Garfield Angus to mourners gathered at Madden’s Chapel in Montego Bay, Grange highlighted a number of traits identified in Miles over his long and storied media career which spanned the 70s, 80s and 90s.

“Leslie Miles was a guardian of truth, a passionate storyteller, and a champion for the people,” the minister’s tribute read.

“His was an unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence. His words painted vivid pictures of our triumphs, struggles, and progress, ensuring that generations to come will understand and appreciate our journey as a people” she said.

Miles was especially known for his work in covering the entertainment industry.

“Throughout his extensive career he wrote many stories detailing the lives and times of many local and international artistes — artistes such as reggae icon Bob Marley whose wife Rita, I understand, was Leslie’s close friend,” Grange said.

She also pointed out that Miles’ other roles in the entertainment industry included coordinating the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival Competition, among other endeavours.

Angus also read a tribute from former fellow broadcaster and politician Sandrea Falconer, who worked with Miles at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). She credited Miles with being unbiased.

“He never took political sides in his work as a journalist, and he was very interested in matters that meant development for people and his country. Leslie was not interested in rubbing shoulders with the powerful but putting out information that changed lives — and I admired and respected him dearly for his quiet life and integrity,” Falconer said.

For his part, Angus highlighted the impact that Miles, his mentor, had on his career.

“Mr Miles, through his unique generosity to build human capacity, took a chance with me while he headed the newsroom at the then
Jamaica Record, and caused me to be a journalist today. I do not believe any of the people today with the title editor-in-chief would have taken on an unattached youth from the country but he did, and I am eternally grateful to him,” he said.

Miles’ media career also took him to Klas FM, Bess FM and Jamaica Daily News.

“He was a remarkable journalist, having worked at most media organisations in Jamaica,” said former colleague Virginia Turner who described Miles as a “guru”.

“He had a wealth of knowledge — not just print journalism but in radio and television. He has worked with almost all the media houses in Jamaica and he was not afraid to share his knowledge. He was someone who gave of his knowledge, empowered people by guiding them and telling them what to do,” Turner added.

She also spoke of the impact Miles had as an entertainment reporter, which was on full view during their time at Jamaica Record.

“We saw all kinds of entertainers, musicians, singers, songwriters — everyone would pass through because he was doing their public relations, advising them on their lyrics, helping to fix up the lyrics,” said Turner.

But she was even more impressed with Miles’ role as a father who filled the gaps left by having a wife who lived overseas.

“When it was homework time with his kids he would ask for a few minutes because he had to finish homework. He would call them up and he would go over the homework with them. His kids were his number one priority, and I admired him for that,” Turner said.

With his now ex-wife Ingrid, Miles shared four children — Yakubu, Tamiko, Noelle and Jomo — and also adopted her son from another relationship, Norman Belton Jr.

“He was a doting and loving father in all that he did,” his daughter Tamiko stated.

There was also admiration from his son Yakubu.

“He was a man of strong personality, and great values, and was of great intellect,” he said.

His brother, Denzil Miles, also provided insights into his life.

“He was the first child for our parents to go to college. At that time in Jamaica there was the Jamaica School of Agriculture. I don’t know the name of the school right now but it was like a university,” said Denzil.

He recalled that his brother did not like agriculture, and went to work for a bauxite company after he left school. That was not a good fit either.

“He did not like that, so he went to Kingston and became involved in journalism, which was his first love. He was a great writer, a mentor to many who entered the profession,” Denzil said.

The ceremony also included tributes from Miles’ ex-wife Ingrid, musicians Sam Carty and Frankie Campbell, as well as the executive of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association.