ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Veteran journalists, family and friends gathered on Friday to honour the life and legacy of former freelancer Michael ‘Macky’ McLean, hailing him for his versatility in covering news in south-central Jamaica.

McLean, 64, died on May 3 after a prolonged illness. He had freelanced with at least six media entities.

Among those in attendance at the funeral service at the Black River Methodist Church and interment at the Logwood Cemetery were members of the media fraternity in south-central Jamaica and former Press Association of Jamaica president and deputy executive producer/editor at Nationwide News Network, George Davis.

Senior journalist Garfield Angus led tributes from the media fraternity in honouring McLean.

“He was ever joyful and a versatile newsman. Though gone, Macky will be remembered for his infectious laughter. He worked as a news correspondent for the Jamaica Observer, the Gleaner, IRIE FM and a few other media houses. During his time, Macky not only demonstrated the skill to locate the news, but he also demonstrated great skills in photography,” said Angus.

Angus also read excerpts of an Observer story, paying tribute to McLean.

READ: Former freelancer Michael ‘Macky’ Mclean has died

A freelancer since the 1990s, McLean covered several newsbeats, including politics and sports and also worked with the St Elizabeth Parish Council, now Municipal Corporation, as a public relations officer.

Former Pedro Plains councillor Jeremy Palmer and Balaclava Councillor Everton Fisher, both former mayors of Black River, spoke highly of McLean’s work and dedication.

“I met Michael at the parish council. He was the correspondent for Nationwide, and he also served as the press officer for the mayor. Michael was a person who was dedicated to his work. He did great service for the parish council as he continued over the years in covering the wonderful work of the parish council. He was very professional,” said Palmer.

“He did an excellent job covering the parish council. He worked there when I was chairman years ago,” Fisher said before singing Where We’ll Never Grow Old in tribute.

Carlissa McKoy, program director at the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, shared similar sentiments.

“He believed in the power of words and stories to shape communities, inform minds and uplift voices that needed to be heard. Later, as assistant program director at the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Michael McLean served with dedication for over five years. His impact in that role was big and lasting, especially through the relationship he fostered along the way,” said McKoy.

Angus recalled McLean’s passion for news, leading him to start a community-based newspaper.

“He went into business, starting the newspaper, Wacky News, and for a brief period, he featured things and people on the South Coast, until the downturn in the economy of central Jamaica dealt it a fatal blow,” added Angus.

— Kasey Williams

Pallbearers at Michael ‘Macky’ McLean’s funeral (from left) Senior journalist Garfield Angus; former news freelancers Rayon Dyer and David Satchwell (hidden); former mayor of Black River and Balaclava councillor Everton Fisher; family friend Sandra Dobson; senior journalist and former Editor-at-large at the Jamaica Observer Garfield Myers; veteran RJR Communications Group journalist Melville Harris. (Photo: Kasey Williams)