Barbara Gayle
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By Clinton McGregor
The Police High Command says investigators are following strong leads in their probe of the murder of veteran journalist Barbara Gayle.
Ms. Gayle was found dead at her home in the gated community of Caymanas Country Club Estate in St. Catherine on Monday morning.
Senior Superintendent Christopher Phillips, head of Area Five Headquarters, told members of media on Tuesday afternoon that Ms. Gayle died from multiple stab wounds.
Her Mercedes Benz motor vehicle was stolen by her killer.
"She was last seen sometime after 3 yesterday having a conversation with an unknown gentleman. Sometime after 10, residents who are used to her routine coming out in the mornings to check on them and to call to them, they never say that usual activity, and so some residents went to check on her, where the lifeless body was discovered," SSP Phillips revealed.
He said investigators are making progress in the probe.
"We are following strong leads at this time. We have the full support of all the arms of the force," he said, adding that the police are "deeply saddened" by the "very horrible" incident.
Shock and sadness
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has described as deeply disturbing and tragic, the act of violence which claimed the life of the respected journalist.
Dr. Holness is among parliamentarians who expressed shock at the murder of Ms. Gayle.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, the Prime Minister said he has asked the relevant authorities to ensure justice is served swiftly in this matter.
He extended condolences to Ms. Gayle's immediate family, her friends, and her colleagues at The Gleaner.
He also described her as a stalwart of Jamaican journalism.
Meanwhile, members of the media and the legal fraternity are among those expressing shock over the murder of the veteran journalist.
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, who paid tribute to Ms. Gayle, expressed shock and sadness at her killing.
"I have known Barbara for more than 40 years. She reported on many of the trial cases I did from the mid 80s into the 90s. In recent decades, she brought many problems, concerns, and weaknesses in the court system to my attention and urged their correction. Barbara was renowned for her impactful court reporting and dedication to Jamaican media. She has passed away leaving a legacy of excellence and integrity in journalism and court reporting. Barbara, you will be greatly missed," he said.
Ms. Gayle, celebrated as Jamaica's foremost court reporter was honoured by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) in November for her extraordinary career spanning over four decades with The Gleaner.
Known for her meticulous reporting on landmark cases across all levels of the judiciary, Ms. Gayle was a trailblazer whose work upheld justice and transparency.
Her contributions extended beyond journalism, with her column Legal Wranglings earning her multiple awards, including Journalist of the Year in 1997.
PAJ deeply saddened
The Press Association of Jamaica has said it is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Barbara Gayle, a trailblazing journalist who dedicated her life to chronicling the complexities of Jamaica's justice system.
The PAJ said as the nation's preeminent court reporter, Barbara's unparalleled dedication to the court beat set a standard for beat reporting, earning her the trust and respect of judges, attorneys, prosecutors, and court staff.
Throughout her illustrious career, Barbara demonstrated a commitment to justice and transparency, meticulously reporting on criminal trials, civil suits, appeals, and landmark decisions.
Her integrity and professionalism earned her numerous awards, including the Press Association of Jamaica Community Service Award and the Journalist of the Year award.
The PAJ said it is shocked and outraged by the killing of Ms. Gayle and called for the authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, and to bring the perpetrator to justice.
'Brutal and senseless'
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has also expressed outrage at what she described as a brutal and senseless killing.
She noted that Ms. Gayle had a distinguished career in journalism and was celebrated for her steadfast dedication to the profession.
Dr. Morris Dixon said this act of violence against a well-respected member of the media community is deeply disturbing and tragic.
She also called for the police to swiftly apprehend the perpetrator.
Opposition condemns killing
The parliamentary opposition has said Ms. 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.
The People's National Party says her work brought light to some of the most critical legal matters in the country's history, and she earned the respect of the courts, legal minds, and the public she served with diligence.
The opposition said it strongly condemns this act and also called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
It said no less than a speedy resolution will bring some measure of comfort to her family, her colleagues, and the wider media community.
Residents in shock
Residents of Ms. Gayle's community are also expressing shock at her murder.
"I'm feeling very, very sad because she's one of the nicest persons I've ever met, not only in this community, but in my entire life. She's a very, very, very good woman. Even when you're having this saddest moment, major challenges, she would just make it look as if nothing is happening. And when she talked to you, you just feel relieved," one woman recalled.
"She was very pleasant, very kind. She was a Christian woman. And when you have somebody like that in a community, it's very, very, very sad. I stayed home to work today when I heard I just couldn't lift a paper because I can't believe she's really gone. I don't know who would want to kill such a wonderful person," she bemoaned.
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