The People's National Party (PNP), the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Broadcasting Commission Expresses Condolences at the passing of Veteran Journalist Hector Bernard

THE PEOPLE'S National Party (PNP), the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Broadcasting Commission have joined in expressing condolences at the passing of veteran journalist Hector Bernard, who was described across the board as having made a sterling contribution to the Jamaican media.

Mr. Bernard, who was publisher and editor of Insight Magazine died at his home on Saturday after a long illness.

Mr. Bernard who had served as a board member at the Broadcasting Commission, Editor of the Farmer's Weekly of the Daily Gleaner, head of the Press Association of Jamaica and director of news at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) in his time, had a career that spanned over 60 years, beginning as a reporter with the Jamaica Standard newspaper.

"News of the passing of Hector Bernard left those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him with a deep sense of loss," Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said in a tribute. "He was at one time a farm reporter, and is credited with producing The Gleaner's supplement, the Farmers Weekly, which was not only widely read by all agricultural interests, but which made an important contribution to farming at the time."

The Broadcasting Commission through its Chairman Dr. Simon Clarke said that Mr. Bernard had been a beacon in the field of journalism.

"While he was very keen on informing the public, he was also constantly aware of the responsibility that a journalist had maintaining high standards of discipline and sticking to the truth," Dr. Clarke said. Fellow Comm-issioner Dr. Hopeton Dunn also said that Mr. Bernard was "one of the great father figures of Jamaica's journalism who served as a mentor, critic and exemplar for several generations of print and broadcast practitioners." He said that Mr. Bernard was a man of great wit and wisdom who will be greatly missed.

For their part, the JLP through information spokesperson Olivia 'Babsy' Grange said that Hector Bernard epitomised professionalism, integrity and leadership in his career.

"He was an advocate for press freedom and better working conditions for journalists while at the same time insisted on high standards for reporters," Ms. Grange said in a statement. "An intellectual giant and prolific writer, he brought a particularly intense, insightful perspective to local, regional and international issues and was usually able to report these always tempered with a sense of balance, accuracy and independence in a manner only he could."

Of his many skills, Mr. Bernard's fluency in four languages proved particularly useful, according to the Broadcasting Commission, where in his earlier years as information officer at the Caribbean Commission, he skilfully scripted broadcasts in English, French, Spanish and Dutch.

While at the JBC he established the first radio newsroom in Jamaica and was highly respected as the creator and producer of a number of public affairs programmes for radio and television.

In recognition of his sterling contribution to Jamaican media, Mr. Bernard was also appointed to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander in 1990.

After formally retiring Mr. Bernard continued to make an outstanding contribution to journalism. His fortnightly publication Insight, was eagerly read by a circle of influential persons, according to the Prime Minister, including other professional journalists, who looked to him for guidance and direction.

"In a profession where speed of delivery sometimes means that work is under-researched, everyone knew if Hector said so, most chances are that "so it go," the Prime Minister said. "He was at once the master of his craft, a mentor and role model for his colleagues and generations of youngsters and, above all a man whose honesty and integrity have never been questioned."

Mr. Bernard was 84 years old. He is survived by two daughters, a son and eight grand children.