Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Michael Manley Foundation, I would like to express my most profound regret at the passing of Wilmot 'Motty' Perkins, a journalist whose voice, for many decades, became synonymous with radio.

Wilmot Perkins, however, was more than just any other voice. It was an irascible voice, a provocative voice, a voice of language, a voice of thought, a voice which promoted the logic of reason, at times a voice of contention, at other times a voice of confrontation, and a voice which, on many occasions, boomed with infectious and uncontrollable laughter.

Many listened to him. Some agreed with him. Others disagreed with him. However, very few ignored him. This was so because Wilmot Perkins was no 'yes' man. He took on and contended with anyone, irrespective of politics, race, class, religion, gender, or position in the society.

In his earlier years, his weapon of reason was that of the pen. In his later years, as the media landscape expanded, he used his voice, with radio as the vehicle, to develop an army of ardent listeners and followers across the length and breadth of the country.

He had strong views on just about every social issue. Those who dared to take him on, did so at their own peril, as Wilmot Perkins usually subjected public and private sector officials to some of the fiercest, most pulverising and contentious inquisition, sometimes much to the displeasure of those who dared to match 'words' with him.

It was this dogged, relentless, fearless, and riveting approach to his craft, among other things, why, over the years, Wilmot Perkins became such a force to be reckoned with, and why his journalistic career would, unquestionably, make him one of the foremost journalists to have been produced by Jamaica.

He will be surely missed by those who knew him, and journalism in Jamaica will be negatively impacted by his passing.

Delano Franklyn

Chairman

Michael Manley Foundation

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