A night of memories

His cousin Sherieta Lewis belted out his favourite song, Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, as family members, friends and colleagues gathered at Statue Park at the National Stadium at a candlelight vigil paying tribute and sharing memories of journalist and broadcaster Donald Oliver, nine days after his death.

Oliver died suddenly on December 30 after falling ill at home.

Among those paying tribute was Dominic Beaubrun, managing director of the Jamaica Observer Media Group, where Oliver was audiovisual manager at the time of his death.

“I met Donald only six months ago, the first time when he came in for an interview as we searched for a candidate to lead our audiovisual division. It only took a few moments for me to be convinced that this was the guy. Donald saw us through our production of the general election and World Championships, behind and before the camera. Then when the island was struck by Hurricane Melissa, he convinced us that it was important that we show the human aspect in the aftermath. That led to the documentary pieces where his expertise was also shown. We are committed to making sure his legacy lives on.”

Oliver was writing a book which he had sent to sports marketer Tanya Lee-Perkins and his friend and colleague Ricardo Chambers shared a poignant excerpt.

“I grew up in Allman Town, Kingston, a community that seemed poised for middle-class prosperity. It sat on the fringes of power – home to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and mere steps away from the Ministry of Education. The majestic National Heroes Park bordered our neighbourhood and ensconced a little more than a kilometre inland, surrounded by the neighbouring communities of Campbell Town and Kingston Gardens, is the mecca of Jamaican cricket, Sabina Park.

“Living at 8 Wild Street, in the heart of Allman Town, I was a brisk 15-minute walk from Sabina Park. Most days though, when cricket was being played, I experienced its magic from home. Curled up beside the radio, I would immerse myself in the lyrical descriptions of the legendary Simon Crosskill.

“When Brian Charles Lara struck a boundary, I’d hear the roar of the Sabina Park crowd ripple like a wave, reaching my ears seconds later. I would close my eyes, absorbing the impact of the greatest batsman I’ve ever seen, described by one of the greatest wordsmith I’ve ever heard and the soaring decibels of the crowd as if I was right there.”

Oliver died a day before he was to share space with some of his former SportsMax colleagues in a live podcast showcasing the sports year in review.

Leighton Levy of Mr. Analyst YouTube channel was emotional as he shared their plans to make the podcast special:

“Hours before he passed we were making plans for the historic collaboration with Ricardo (Chambers) Lance (Whittaker). He was very excited about how it would pan out. Nine days later I am still struggling to accept that was our last conversation. Donald was a joy to work with and he will be missed.”

Press Association of Jamaica President Dashan Hendricks and former journalist now State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, shared thoughts of Oliver’s professionalism, ethical standards, passion for his job and excellence at his craft.

Former SportsMax Executive Producer Jerome Larmand and Dwayne Richards of Yardie Sports also shared memories of how Oliver pursued excellence with every project and pleasant personality.

Oliver had a career of more than two decades working with media outlets including the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, CVM Television and SportsMax.