Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Thousands Bid Farewell to the Late Ian Boyne
#Jamaica, January 15, 2018 – Kingston – Late Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Ian Anthony Boyne, CD, was eulogised 
in song, dance and glowing tributes on Sunday (January 14) as an exceptional and extraordinary man of integrity and excellence, who epitomized the beauty and diversity of a life well-lived. Such were the superlatives flowing from speakers and performers during the colourful yet dignified larger than life Service of Thanksgiving at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, which celebrated the life of the man who was a household name for over 30 years.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen; and Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, headed the dignitaries attending the service. Also in attendance were former Prime Ministers, Bruce Golding and the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller; Finance and Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw; and State Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams; Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Hon. Ruel Reid; Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange; National Security State Minister, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.; and Opposition Leader, Dr. Peter Phillips, among other parliamentarians; members of the judiciary; and scores of well-wishers from the wider society.
The Governor-General, in his tribute, said Mr. Boyne was a true patriot who stimulated generations of people to think for and believe in themselves while underpinning these with high aspirations. Additionally, he said the late Chief State Liaison’s boundless energy and ease of manner imbued admiration and emulation.
“His intellectual rigour along with his genuine interests in individual achievements at all levels of society combined to make him a truly unique symbol of Jamaican genius.
“We have all, in one way or another, benefitted from the contributions of this scholarly dignified gentleman whose life was built on the foundation of personal faith and Christian witness. His passing has left a void in this country that may not be filled (for now),” the Governor-General said.
Prime Minister Holness hailed Mr. Boyne as a man with incredible knowledge who had the ability to eloquently articulate a wide range of topics and issues and, in the process, distinguish himself as fair, balanced and factual.
“Simply put, Ian Boyne was really first class. He approached every subject matter, personal interview and written piece with the same fervour and balance, regardless of potential controversy and public opinion. He was beyond compromise and possibly the greatest example of a man who ‘did it for the love and not for the likes’,” he said.
Mr. Holness described Mr. Boyne as the consummate communicator and scholar, who worked with several Administrations and approached his work, to this end, with sharp analytical and intellectual fervour.
“Ian rose to a (high) level of esteem and regard…clearly he was in a class by himself. The ‘Union of (current and former) Prime Ministers would also agree that Ian was the only civil servant (who) we know (who) could criticise the Government and get away with it. But that (indicated his) speaking the truth, and when you do it with respect, honour, and dignity, no one can question the truth,” he said.
Ms. Grange said Mr. Boyne loved and cared about his family and all Jamaicans. “His love for his country could be demonstrated in no better way than the (manner in which) he put his heart and soul in the profession of journalism,” she said.
Dr. Peter Phillips described him as an outstanding individual who touched the consciousness of Jamaicans worldwide.
In her tribute, Mrs. Simpson Miller said Mr. Boyne was more than a journalist, noting that he was a lifelong scholar and a man on a mission to unearth, expose and celebrate the passions, aspirations and achievements of the Jamaican people.
“He will undoubtedly go down in history as one of Jamaica’s most talented, celebrated and accomplished journalists. This remarkable Jamaican has left us a proud legacy of discipline, professional excellence, hard work, determination, wholesome values and healthy attitudes,” she said.
In an emotional tribute, the JIS’ Chief Executive Officer, Donna-Marie Rowe said her late Deputy wore many hats and “meant so much to all of us”. “He was always by my side (and was) a reliable sounding board…the balanced ‘Mister’ on the other hand. I will miss our spontaneous checking in with each other, our wordsmithing and consulting, the ribbing which only he could endure and the hilarity which punctuated our meetings.
“Ours was an enviable working relationship, characterised by grace and wit. The camaraderie, debate and eventual consensus was all in a day’s work with Mr. B.,” she said, adding that his legacy will be maintained.
Mrs. Rowe’s tribute was capped off by a voice recorded message from Mr, Boyne to JIS staff that was played, during which he encouraged persons to cherish each other.
“We do not know when it might be the last opportunity we are together…so let us, from now, move on. Whatever good we have to say to one another, say it. Don’t wait until when you hear that a person is sick or has died, you say ‘I wish I had said that’. Let us treat each other with great love,” he implored.
Widow, Margaret Boyne, in a tribute read by lecturer, Fae Ellington, said Mr. Boyne’s faith meant everything to him, adding that he tried to be the best husband.
“He was incredibly forgiving, he was hilarious (and) people would often wonder what would keep us laughing as if we were newlyweds,” she said.
In her tribute, daughter, Kelly-Ann, described her father as the consummate statesman who spent a lot of time reading publications on philosophy and theology, “not only because he was a devout Christian, but because he, in very practical terms, understood the importance of the undefeatable mind and was often times heard to say ‘likeability is more important than intellect’”.
“He was always concerned about the social deficit rather than the economic deficit as he understood the importance of the effect of purpose on profit. He was a holistic B-eing,” she said.
“Dad, you said I was the star of your TV show…but you were the star of my universe. My humble request of you (wider Jamaica) is that you continue to honour my father by B-eing. Live your B-est life…love in your B-est way…and laugh from your B-elly like dad did and I do,” she added.
There were also tributes from other family members, representatives of the clergy, media, and close friends.
The legacy of Ian Boyne’s work as a journalist, communication specialist, Minister of Religion, author and broadcaster has been immortalised in an impressive body of work that serves to inspire the nation and resonates globally. He was a highly respected media practitioner, who was driven and passionate about his work, and endeavoured to maintain a hallmark of excellence following his entry entering the profession in 1975. He had a long career with the JIS which he joined as a features writer and television broadcaster in 1976 when it was known as the Agency for Public Information.
In 1983 he was appointed Press Secretary/Speech Writer for the then Minister of Industry and Commerce, Douglas Vaz. From then to 2002, he worked with every Minister of Industry appointed under successive administrations as Speech Writer/Public Relations Consultant, before re-joining the JIS several years later. As Deputy CEO, Mr. Boyne provided oversight for the JIS’ Research, Print and Production (Editorial and Photo) Division.
Additionally, he hosted the Agency’s flagship current affairs interview programme, ‘Issues and Answers’, through which he furthered the JIS’ public education thrust via his incisive range of riveting questions. These served to elucidate the Government’s response to national issues of the day. Mr. Boyne also served as Chief State Liaison to the Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Governor-General and Office of the Leader of the Opposition. He was best known as host of the 30-year-old TVJ programme – ‘Profile’. He also hosted ‘Religious Hardtalk’ and was a columnist for the Sunday Gleaner.
Mr. Boyne authored the books – ‘Ideas Matter: Journey into the Mind of a Veteran Journalist’ and ‘Profile of Excellence’. He wrote extensively for many magazines, including ‘Skywritings’ and ‘The Jamaican’. In 2009, the Government of Jamaica recognized his outstanding contribution to journalism with the Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD).
Mr. Boyne was the recipient of several journalism awards for distinguished work in print and television broadcasting. These include: the Jamaica Broilers Fairplay Award for Profile in 2005; and the Morris Cargill Award for Opinion Journalism in 2006.
Mr. Boyne is also survived by son, André, and daughter, Brianna.
By: Chris Patterson (JIS0
Caribbean News
Turks and Caicos Retains Championship at 28th Annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament
Please note:
Photos by TCI Sports Commission
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – In an historic showing, the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA) dominated the 28th annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament, held in Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic, from April 25th to 27th, 2024. The victory marks a turning point for TCI golf, and much of the credit goes to the exceptional team of players assembled by Sean Wilson the Head Professional at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Course.
56 golfers, playing under the banner of the TCIGA were rewarded for their enthusiastic participation across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.
“This back-to-back win is an indication of the growing interest and increased participation in the sport of golf in TCI,” stated TCIGA President Fraser Dods.
“We’ve been competing at this tournament since its inception almost 30 years ago, and finally bringing home the George Noon Cup two years in a row is a truly proud moment for Turks and Caicos golf.”
Clean Sweep for Team TCI
The team’s success was based on strong and determined performances in every flight and category.
The Turks and Caicos men’s team secured the Robert Grell Trophy, while the ladies claimed the Jodi Munn Barrow Trophy.
This clean sweep across all team divisions highlights the growing depth and talent within the TCI Golf Association membership.
The “Classic”organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, brings together golfers from the twelve membercountries of the CGA. The Caribbean Classic is an individual and team event, competed for by teams of unlimited number of players from each participating member country, playing eighteen holes of golf each , over 3 days.
Team Turks and Caicos amassed the most points overall and won the George Noon Cup last year, for the first time in 27 years of competing at this event. To repeat as champs is a proud moment for TCI sports in general and for TCI Golf specifically.
Individual Accolades Abound
Beyond the team triumphs, individual golfers from TCI shone brightly. Female players, namely Wendy Ayer, Christine Dickenson, Tazmaraa Gowans, and Andrea Todd, all secured podium finishes in their respective divisions
The men’s side also saw impressive performances from Justin Simons, Mark Fulford, Arthur Lightbourne, Mervin Cox, and Simon Dobbs. Their individual excellence contributed significantly to the overall team victory.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
TCI Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes is optimistic about the future. “This win exemplifies the immense potential of golf in the Turks and Caicos,” he stated. “We encourage young islanders to take up this fantastic sport.”
Head Golf Professional at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, Sean Wilson, echoed the sentiment. “This is a monumental achievement for TCI golf,” he said. “Bringing home trophies in all three divisions is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the TCIGA and its players.”
The Caribbean Classic second victory creates a new legacy for golf in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The TCIGA is administrated by a golf-loving volunteer executive comprised of Fraser Dods, Mark Fulford (VP), Denise Douglas (Secretary), Paul Murray (Treasurer), Andrea Todd and Roberto Stipa.Through their collective efforts, and the growing participation of TCI golfers, the future looks bright for this sport in the region.
The Caribbean Classic is one of the highlights of the Caribbean Golf calendar. Organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, it allows participation of amateurs from 12 countries, including the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Guadalupe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, St Lucia, and USVI.”
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