Jamaica media mourns sudden passing of newspaper columnist and political commentator

KINGSTON, Jamaica - The media fraternity and academic community in Jamaica, is mourning the passing of Martin Henry, 61, a well-known newspaper columnist and commentator  who collapsed who died suddenly late Tuesday.

Henry, collapsed following an interview on television reflecting on the life and contribution of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga who also died on Tuesday.

Collapsed after radio interview

Henry, who worked as a columnist with the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper for 30 years, reportedly told media colleagues, after the program that he was not feeling well and collapsed on leaving the studio.

He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

In commenting shortly after Henry’s death, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he made  a significant contribution to the education system and was a strong advocate for transparency and good governance.

Member of UTECH administration

Martin Henry was also an academic administrator at the University of Technology (UTECH) and his passing sent shock waves across the institution.

UTech President Stephen Vasciannie said he was shocked by Henry’s sudden death.

“It is distressing that Mr. Henry should have died while in the prime of his life. He has made a major contribution to the university through his management of entrepreneurship projects, his work in promoting research and intellectual development, his contribution to the Journal of Arts, Science and Technology, his organization of the Research and Technology Innovation Day, and, most recently, his stalwart efforts with the University of Technology Press,” said UTECH President Stephen Vasciannie.