PNP Mourns the Tragic Death of Veteran Journalist Barbara Gayle
Kingston, Jamaica. December 17, 2024: The People’s National Party (PNP) is deeply saddened and outraged at the tragic and untimely killing of veteran journalist and court reporter Barbara Gayle, who was attacked at her home in St. Catherine.
Barbara Gayle’s passing represents not just a loss to her family and loved ones, but also to Jamaica’s media fraternity and the nation as a whole. Her decades-long career as The Gleaner’s leading court reporter set an unmatched standard for professionalism, integrity, and courage. Her work brought light to some of the most critical legal matters in our history, and she earned the respect of the courts, legal minds, and the public she served with diligence.
This latest attack on a journalist is symptomatic of the larger state of insecurity in which we live. Journalists perform a vital function in our democracy, and violence against them strikes at the heart of freedom of the press and public trust. The PNP strongly condemns this act and calls on the relevant authorities to act swiftly and thoroughly in bringing those responsible to justice. No less than a speedy resolution will bring some measure of comfort to her family, her colleagues, and the wider media community.
On behalf of the People’s National Party, we extend our deepest condolences to Barbara Gayle’s family and to her colleagues across the media industry. We assure the media fraternity of our unwavering love, support, and sympathy during this painful time.
Speaking on behalf of the Party, Nekeisha Burchell, the PNP’s Spokesperson for Information and Public Communication, stated: “Barbara Gayle embodied courage, excellence, and service in her journalism. Her tireless reporting gave voice to justice and transparency in our courts. Her death is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers many face amidst rising insecurity across our nation. The People’s National Party stands with Barbara’s family, colleagues, and all Jamaicans who are grieving today. We call for justice, and we reiterate our commitment to addressing the root causes of crime so that no family, no journalist, and no citizen must endure such a tragedy.”
The People’s National Party remains steadfast in its advocacy for a safer, more secure Jamaica where the lives of all citizens—especially those who serve the public good—are valued and protected.
