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Leaders react to J A Lester Spaulding's passing

Published:Friday | November 17, 2017 | 12:00 AMPaul Clarke
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Spaulding
Rudolph Brown
J.A. Lester Spaulding, (left) is photographed with Peter Chin, managing director of Lasco Distributors at the Lasco Police Officer of the Year 2012-2013 awards ceremony in 2012.
Rudolph Brown
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Winston Sill
Then head of Television Jamaica Kay Osborne in a happy mood with Lester Spaulding at the farewell function held in his honour at the Liguanea Club, New Kingston, in 2008.
Barbara Ellington
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Beverly Hirst and Lester Spaulding enjoying this momento.
Winston Sill
In this September 25, 2008, photo, the Media Association of Jamaica hosted a farewell function for J.A. Lester Spaulding (left). Gary Allen, who was then managing director, makes the presentation.
Norman Grindley
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News about the passing of J.A. Lester Spaulding, the late chairman of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, has triggered immediate reactions from political leaders, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Peter Phillips.

Spaulding died in hospital yesterday in Kingston after ailing for some time.

Andrew Holness, prime minister "Lester Spaulding was a shrewd businessman. His leadership in media and business was exemplary. He was unquestionably one of the most influential business leaders and media innovators in Jamaica's history.

"My prayers and sincerest condolences are with his widow, family, and the members of the RJRGLEANER Group at this time. His passion and drive for the industry will be missed," he added.

Dr Peter Phillips, opposition leader "Jamaica and the media fraternity have lost one of its giants. He was a patriotic Jamaican who always considered a free and fair press to be part of good governance in the country.

"He was a giant in the industry, and the nation will cherish his legacy of building RJR into a multiplatform communication entity."

Olivia Grange, minister of entertainment, sport, culture and gender affairs "Lester Spaulding's contribution stood out from the time he moved from the position of chief accountant to general manager at Radio Jamaica and the work he did as head of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, all of which preceded his leading RJR through its expansion up to its recent merger to become the RJRGLEANER Communications Group.

"He also contributed to the development of the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) and nurtured the formation of the Caribbean Media Corporation, being its inaugural chairman in 2000."

Spaulding served as chairman of the Caribbean Media Corporation; President, Caribbean Broadcasting Union; head of the Media Association of Jamaica; and board member of the National Crime Prevention Fund (CRIME STOP), among other boards.

The Broadcasting Commission said that it was deeply saddened by Spaulding's passing.

The commission said that Spaulding had a stellar career in media administration, was widely respected as a pioneer, and was a shrewd manager.

paul.clarke@gleanerjm.com