The Inter-American Dialogue mourns the loss of Oliver Clarke, who passed away at his home in St. Andrew on May 16 at the age of 75, after his longtime battle with cancer.
A chartered accountant, Clarke was the chairman and former managing director of one of Jamaica’s leading media groups, The Gleaner Company Limited, and a past president of both The Private Sector Organization of Jamaica and The Inter American Press Association. He is the recipient of numerous national awards and titles, including Jamaica’s fourth highest honor, the Order of Jamaica (OJ) and an honorary degree of doctor of laws from The University of the West Indies.
Clarke was a founding member of the Dialogue in 1983, and he remained an active participant in conferences and initiatives over the years. He was a fierce advocate for press freedom and a lively spirit with a keen sense of humor, and he will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his widow, Monica, and daughter, Maria Alexandra.
