Oliver Fredrick Clarke

THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | D14 set by Mr Musa will expand through those nations that have not as yet signed the declaration, in particular those in the English-speaking Caribbean, in order to bring hope and strength to our struggle to protect the freedom of the journalist who inform with the truth, as well as the right of the citizens to express themselves freely,” declared Clarke. In 2004, he presided over the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which bestowed its Freedom of the Press annual award on dissident Cuban journalist, Raúl Rivero, imprisoned in Havana. “It is my hope that the international attention generated by this prize will encourage the Cuban authorities to respect the fundamental right of individuals to express their ideas,” stated Oliver Clarke. Raúl Kraiselburd, from Argentina and editor of the El Día , La Plata, Argentina, former president of IAPA, recalled that “we had the pleasure to share some good times and to learn of his skill in analysing the most diverse of situations, always honing in on the substantive issue of the matter at hand, never setting aside his keen sense of humour.” Gustavo Mohme, editor of La República from Lima, Perú, also a former IAPA president, upon being informed of his passing, stated that “Men like Oliver must be given a farewell filled with accolades; he is undoubtedly a referential point in our heroic crusade for freedom of the press.” FREEDOM CONTINUED FROM D12 Many of the benefits enjoyed today by the media are derived from the hands of this incredible pioneer. He shall be forever venerated by those who understood and believed in his mission. Christopher Barnes, current IAPA president María Elvira Domínguez, El País, Cali, Colombia His legacy on behalf of freedom of the press shall forever live in our organisation and within those of us who the good fortune to know him. Oliver was a staunch pillar of our dear IAPA, to which he devoted his time and contributed his intelligence, experience and, specially, style and balance. His sense of humour was unequalled. Danilo Arbilla, Busqueda, Montevideo, Uruguay Miguel Otero, El Nacional, Caracas, Venezuela I shall remember him as a great defender of press freedom. Matthew Sanders, Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah He was a strong and genteel figure who welcomed me warmly to the IAPA. Gustavo Mohme, La República, Lima, Perú Highly esteemed president and motivator. Men like Oliver must be given a farewell filled with accolades; he is undoubtedly a referential point in our heroic crusade in behalf of freedom of the press. Gabriela Vivanco, La Hora, Quito, Ecuador It is an honour to have met Oliver in my early years at IAPA, and we shall all keep working in order to build on his legacy and that of the great people who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. Jaime Mantilla, Hoy, Quito, Ecuador I will miss his charisma, charm and friendly smile. Roberto Rock, La Silla Rota, Mexico City A giant in the history of the IAPA and a warrior for freedom of the press. Earl Maucker, Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Florida He was a wonderful man, a committed media manager, a dynamic businessman and an inspiration to all who met him. I had the good fortune of working with Oliver on IAPA projects years ago then later, we developed an even closer relationship on The Gleaner Board of Directors. Truly a loss for our profession. Juan Pablo Illanes, El Mercurio, Santiago, Chile He will be remembered by all who knew him for his warmth and his defence of freedom of expression. Raúl Kraiselburd, El Día, La Plata, Argentina Oliver put his intelligence and efforts at the service of democracy and thus to freedom of expression in the Americas. We at IAPA shall always be grateful for his valuable contributions to journalism. Ricardo Trotti, IAPA executive director, Miami, Florida He was an impeccable, well-balanced, and passionate leader both in terms of raising the flag in the fight for freedom of the press, as well as looking inward within the IAPA and establishing goals to reorganise and renew the institution. We shall miss his elegant sense of humour.