Oliver Fredrick Clarke

THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | D12 G EORGE RUDDOCK, editor for the Weekly Gleaner , said: “Oliver Clarke was always clear in his beliefs that there was an important role for the black press in the UK. “He gave his full support for the WeeklyGleaner newspaper to thrive, being the main link for Jamaicans overseas and home for over 60 years. When The Voice was facing financial difficulties back in early 2004, he stepped in to purchase the newspaper, not only for financial investment, but because he wanted to ensure the UK black community continued to have a medium to speak up for their views and opinions. “His relationship with the UK Jamaican community was legendary as he was the brainchild behind the successful ‘Jamaica Expo’ series which ran from 1995-1998 and brought many leading Jamaican companies to the UK to market their products and services to the diaspora community. “As the chairman of Jamaica National, the leading financial institution, he invited many Jamaican political leaders and future leaders to address the diaspora community and lay out their plans and vision for Jamaica in the successful ‘JN Outlook for the Future’ series. “He truly believed in the development and financial prosperity for Jamaica and he has left a lasting legacy.” Clarke – A lasting legacy He believed in rosperity P IN THE history of the Inter- American Press Association (IAPA), our 49th president, Oliver Frederick Clarke, holds a distinguished place for multiple reasons difficult to match: he reinforced the foundations of a solid administration of the organisation, fought passionately for freedom of the press throughout the hemisphere, and was an intelligent, gracious and cultured friend who enlightened the journalism industry. Oliver combined many talents. The great magnate of the press in Jamaica, he was also a soldier at the front of the struggle against the totalitarian regimes in the Americas, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that his influence lives on in the democratic processes in the Caribbean region and the rest of the continent. As the first IAPA president from an English-speaking Caribbean country, he endeavoured to unite all of our members under one single ideal of liberty and democracy. This was a difficult task, but wisely undertaken by Oliver. He made good use of diplomacy and his great sense of humour. In 1988, at the end of his term as IAPA president in Punta del Este, Uruguay, reaching the end of his speech, he stated: “I know that many among you really believe that, during this presidency, correct English has been spoken for the very first time.” Danilo Arbilla, fromUruguay and a former IAPA president, who was chairman of the Committee for Freedom of the Press and Expression during Oliver’s presidency, referred to him as a “staunch pillar” and highlighted that very unique sense of humour. “He claimed that we were the perfect team: I – he said – do not understand a single thing in Spanish, and Danilo doesn’t understand English; we never argued nor had the slightest disagreement.” He personally endured and engaged in the battle against censorship during the Michael Manley regime in his native land. In later years, he devoted all his energy into transforming Jamaica into a prosperous and pluralistic country. He was a positive force in the promotion of the Chapultepec Declaration, IAPA’s vital document on the basic principles of freedom of the press, which has been endorsed by heads of state throughout the Americas. During his term, he travelled to Belmopán, capital of Belize, the last of the American territories still part of the British Empire to achieve independence in 1979, to obtain the signature of Prime Minister Saud Musa, drafter of the constitution of the young nation. “Let’s hope that the example A staunch pillar for reedom of the press F PLEASE SEE FREEDOM, D14 Oliver Clarke, OJ, a man who taught us to be honourable and decent. He provided the people around him with vision and determination. He will be deeply missed for his kind, rational advice. We hope that the people of Jamaica follow this outstanding role model and continue his legacy. We express our condolences to his family and best wishes. Colin Reid, fromLeroy Reid & Co Chartered Accountants, said: In this 2007 photo, Romario Whyte and Rachel Chin accept their awards from Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall (left) and Oliver Clarke. FILE