Thu | Mar 28, 2024

Clarke remembered as exceptional citizen, Shaw, Falconer

Published:Thursday | May 28, 2020 | 12:00 AMErica Virtue - Senior Gleaner Writer

"He pursued his entrepreneurial ventures with diligence and the consistent pursuit of excellence. And throughout his life journey, he maintained a healthy sense of honour. May God bless surround his family in their time of bereavement," said Audley Shaw in tribute.

Sandrea Falconer served as information minister and interfaced with Oliver Clarke at the height of the merger of The Gleaner Company with Radio Jamaica. The entity is now the RJRGLEANER Communications Group.

"Jamaica has lost a great son who had a transformational impact on media and business over many decades. But, the Honourable Oliver Frederick Clarke was best known for his influence on the media industry. He was a pioneer and a giant who expanded The Gleaner into a regional powerhouse, paved the way for and influenced the careers and success of many," said Falconer in tribute.

Continuing, she said: "Oliver had a tough exterior, but beneath that was a dry sense of humour, a fondness for teasing and playful mischief. I enjoyed my many conversations with Oliver and will always appreciate his profound love for Jamaica and his efforts to influence positive change."

Falconer, who was minister during the merger, said no one could ever think of The Gleaner and not remember Oliver Clarke.

"There are very few people in Jamaica whose aura and influence on public policy were as big as Oliver's. His opinion was sought by many leaders as they navigated difficult periods. Jamaica has lost a great son, the media has lost an irreplaceable giant," she said.

Clarke succumbed to cancer. He was 75 years old.

Erica Virtue

Senior Gleaner Writer

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com