The People’s National Party (PNP) is mourning the passing of Jamaican-Canadian journalist and diaspora community leader Philip Mascoll, who died earlier this week after ailing for sometime. He was 77.

“Mascoll lived a life defined by service, using journalism and public communication to inform, advocate and build stronger communities,” the PNP said in a release on Friday.

The PNP noted that Mascoll’s career took him from newsrooms in Britain and Jamaica to the Toronto Star, where he spent 27 years as a reporter and editor.

“He covered major events, investigated difficult issues and helped to bring greater visibility to the experiences of Black, Caribbean and immigrant communities in Canada. His work earned him Canada’s National Newspaper Award for Spot News Reporting in 1996, among several other honours,” the party said.

“Yet his contribution extended far beyond the newsroom. Philip Mascoll remained deeply connected to Jamaica and was committed to ensuring that Jamaicans overseas remained engaged in the life and development of their homeland,” the party continued. “As the inaugural President of the Jamaica Diaspora Canada Foundation and a member of the Diaspora Advisory Board, he helped to strengthen the relationship between Jamaica and its diaspora.”

He was especially passionate about preparing young people to lead. Through the Future Leaders initiative, which he conceptualised and launched, he created opportunities for young Jamaicans across the diaspora to participate in community service, national development and decision-making. That investment in another generation will remain an important part of his legacy, the PNP said.

It noted that Mascoll also gave valuable service to public communication in Jamaica and, over the years, shared his experience and support with the People’s National Party.

“We remember with appreciation his commitment to Jamaica, his willingness to serve and his enduring belief in the capacity of our people,” the PNP said.

Mascoll was conferred with the Order of Distinction in 2013, which the PNP said was a fitting recognition of his service to the nation and the Jamaican diaspora.

“The PNP extends sincere condolences to his children, Philip Jr, Dominic and Keisha; his grandchildren; his sisters, Susan and Sandra; and his wider family, friends, colleagues and the Jamaican-Canadian community.

“We salute a life of service and a proud Jamaican whose work reached far beyond the borders of the country he loved. May his soul rest in peace,” the party said.