Farewell - J.A. Lester Spaulding

There are more tributes following the death of  Chairman of  the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, Lester Spaulding. 

The Broadcasting Commission has expressed deep sadness at his passing.

The Commission has hailed him as having a stellar career in media administration and was widely respected as a pioneer and shrewd manager.  

It praised his work in the creation of  the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), and in the merger of  RJR and the Gleaner Company, creating the RJRGleaner Communications Group.

The Commission said it worked closely with Spaulding, most recently in his capacity as Co-chair of  the National Digital Switchover Steering Committee. 

It said his passing has left a void in the broadcasting fraternity.

Caribbean Broadcasting Union 

The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), in its reaction, remembered Mr Spaulding's pivotal role in piloting the organisation as a former Chairman, and in the creation of  the Caribbean Media Corporation.

He was president of  the CBU from 1987 to 1991.  

During his term as President he formed a relationship with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung which led to the establishment of  a television production and news exchange facility, including the CBU's acquisition of  its own domestic satellite uplink.

He also contributed to the development of  the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) as a director until 2011, and nurtured the formation of  the Caribbean Media Corporation beings its inaugural Chairman in 2000

Spalding was inducted into the CBU Hall of  Fame in 2011.

Media Association of Jamaica   

And the Media Association of  Jamaica (MAJ) has also paid tribute to the RJRGleaner Group Chairman.

The MAJ said Mr Spaulding, who served as Chairman of  the Association, was instrumental and dedicated to the advancement of  the independence and freedom of  the electronic and print media in Jamaica and the region.

It argued that he made an immeasurable contribution to the Media Association and the wider media industry noting that his legacy will continute to positively impact the values and committment displayed by media professionals. 

PAJ

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) extended condolences to the family and friends of the Mr. Spaulding, recalling his contribution to the development of the RJRGleaner Group, "with his rise from Chief Clerk of Radio Jamaica, to the position he held at the time of his passing, Chairman of the RJRGleaner Group."

"Mr. Spauding’s influence was also felt throughout the Caribbean, where he served for years in several capacities, as a director of the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union and as the first chairman of the Caribbean Media Corporation. He was widely admired for his vision and industry, and his deep interest in the future of, and direction of media in Jamaica and the Caribbean," the PAJ added.

Mr. Spaulding died in hospital on Friday morning after ailing for some time.

He was 76 years old.