Fitz-Henley pays tribute to late journalist Donald Oliver
KINGSTON, Jamaica — State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, has paid tribute to late journalist Donald Oliver.
Oliver passed away suddenly on Tuesday morning after reporting chest pains. He was 40 years old.
In a statement, Senator Fitz-Henley said he was “shocked and saddened at news of the passing of Donald Oliver,” praising Oliver’s character and approach to journalism.
“Donald was an outstanding journalist and a decent human being whose approach to his work reflected that he did not operate with ill-intent, stunned as a matter of fact,” he said.
The state minister highlighted Oliver’s skill as a communicator, noting that his journalism was “competent” and that his commentary “exhilarated audiences.” He added that Oliver was particularly effective in using his voice to bring events to life for listeners and viewers.
“He was excellent at using his voice, including adjusting the cadence and modulation, to convey to audiences exactly what was happening at an event he was covering, whether sports or otherwise,” Fitz-Henley said, while emphasising that Oliver was not limited to sports journalism but was “a versatile professional.”
Fitz-Henley also recalled Oliver’s recent work covering national issues, noting that just weeks ago, Oliver travelled to St Elizabeth to report on the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
“Only a few weeks ago, Donald interviewed MP Floyd Green and I about the impact of Hurricane Melissa in St Elizabeth after he journeyed to the parish to bring attention to the plight of those affected,” he said.
According to the senator, Oliver was also known for his supportive attitude toward colleagues, free of professional jealousy.
“Donald never exhibited the scourge of professional jealousy or badmind which sometimes exist in vocations, including media,” Fitz-Henley said. “He was always willing to offer a positive and useful word of advise to colleagues in a bid to see them better their craft.”
Fitz-Henley extended condolences to Oliver’s family, friends and colleagues, describing him as “a Jamaican of substance who was excellent at his craft.”
“An innings well-played, my friend,” he added.
