KINGSTON, Jamaica — Former prime minister Portia Simpson Miller says Ian Boyne was a remarkable Jamaican, who will go down as one of Jamaica’s greatest ever journalists, “a journalist’s journalist”.

In her tribute to him today, Simpson Miller said she would remember him as a fine gentleman, who never lost his common touch.

She reminisced that Boyne mingled with politicians but never became political.

Simpson Miller said she regarded Boyne as a friend, and his untimely death shocked and saddened her. She hailed his support for her during her time as prime minister.

The former prime minister described Boyne as a lifelong scholar, who was forceful in his views, but never offensive.

Earlier, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Opposition Leader Peter Phillips and Governor-General Patrick Allen also gave tributes to the veteran journalist, whose life is being celebrated at the National Indoor Sports Centre today.

Boyne passed away on December 18 last year.