Jamaica Mourns the Death of Media Trailblazer
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has described the late Alma Mock yen as a “trailblazer whose legacy will continue to influence Jamaican media practice for years to come”.
Alma Mock Yen (File Photo)Mock Yen 97, died on Wednesdays following a brief illness.
Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Olivia Grange, described Mock Yen as a woman of class who distinguished herself in all of what she did for the many years that she spent in public life.
“Mrs Mock Yen was also one of the pioneering women in politics with her contribution as a parish councillor for the Jamaica Labour Party. Outstandingly, she was one of the youngest school teachers on record, teaching English Language and Literature at Merl Grove High School at age 14. Recipient of the Musgrave Medal and the Order of Distinction, Mrs. Mock Yen mentored generations of journalists, instilling in them the values of integrity, excellence, and dedication. Her legacy in promoting cultural expression through media will continue to inspire us all,” Grange said.
In its statement, the PAJ said that the passing of the pioneering Jamaican journalist, broadcaster, and author, “represents a significant loss to the profession and to the nation”.
Mock Yen’s career spanned decades, during which she was a broadcaster, lecturer at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication at The University of the West Indies (UWI Mona).
A versatile practitioner, Mock Yen also distinguished herself in dance and theatre. She was an original member of the Ivy Baxter Modern Creative Dance Group, performed in Noel Vaz’s Noah, appeared in pantomimes, and authored books on radio and media practice.
The PAJ said Mock Yen was also a “distinguished broadcaster whose voice, intellect, and professionalism helped shape Jamaican broadcast journalism for decades.
“Alma Mock Yen was a respected and pioneering figure in the media landscape, known for her calm authority, incisive interviewing style, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. Through her work, she set high standards for broadcast journalism and served as a role model for generations of journalists, particularly women entering the profession.”
The PAJ said that her contribution to public discourse was “marked by clarity, fairness, and a deep respect for the Jamaican audience.
“Whether reporting on national affairs or facilitating critical conversations, she brought credibility and gravitas to the airwaves, earning the trust and admiration of listeners across the island,” it said.
Grange, who extended “heartfelt condolences” to Mock Yen’s son, Sean, and the rest of her family, friends, and the entire media fraternity, described her as “the Doyen of contemporary media’ as her contributions were instrumental in shaping the landscape of media education and practice in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean”.
