BOTH PRIME Minister P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga, the JLP Leader, expressed regret yesterday at the passing of Hector Wynter, a former Editor-in-Chief of The Gleaner.
Mr. Patterson said that Mr. Wynter's passing, "closed the chapter on a life that was dedicated to service to Jamaica." He said that the late Editor's contribution in various spheres of national life was marked by selfless service and fierce dedication to what he believed in.
Mr. Seaga said that Mr. Wynter's career touched most areas of national life and his career was never far from the concerns of young people, culture and international affairs. However, Mr. Seaga said he would be best remembered for his term as Editor-in-Chief of The Gleaner, "and his stout defence of press freedom and the protection of journalists."
He said that despite Mr. Wynter's membership of the JLP, he allowed journalists, of all views, to express their opinions. He noted that it was his invitation to Dr. Carl Stone to do a public opinion poll for The Gleaner, which has contributed to the political system since.
Other tributes were received yesterday from the Press Association of Jamaica, which described Mr. Wynter as, "an outstanding journalist and intellectual who, as Editor-in-Chief of The Gleaner publications for many years, helped to shape the early perceptions of many young people."
"Despite his political leanings, he was never one to supress ideas or restrain the expressions of those under him: insisting on proper form and encouraging that such expression bear the benefit of research."
The PAJ also praised Mr. Wynter as a "true patriot," who served his country well.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said that his contribution to the Jamaican Foreign Service, in which he served during the 1960s, "is remembered with fondness and appreciation."
And Dr. Kenneth Baugh, the JLP's general secretary, said on behalf of the party that up to the time of his passing, Mr. Wynter was an active member as a trustee and member of its standing committee.
"He will be greatly missed for his extensive experience and wise counsel. Jamaica has indeed lost a great son and an esteemed public servant," Dr. Baugh said.
