Jamaicans remember veteran journalist Michael Sharpe

For years the late Michael Sharpe endeared himself to the Jamaican population. The veteran journalist passed away yesterday morning after ailing for some time. He was 65 years old.

Sharpe, who joined the RJR newsroom in 1983, gained even wider acclaim as a news anchor for TVJ's Prime Time News segment. He was also the host of Your Issues Live, a television show that provided members of the public across the island with the opportunity to speak on the problems affecting them.

For almost 40 years, Sharpe dedicated himself to the craft of journalism and kept Jamaicans informed. People have described him as the consummate journalist. His life and work have been well documented with some of the nation's political leaders, including Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Prime Minister Andrew Holness paying their respects.

Sharpe's impact stretched far and wide. THE STAR news team took to the streets yesterday to hear from the everyday man about what Sharpe meant to them.

Woman Constable Reid, Kingston Central police: "Michael Sharpe became a statue in many Jamaican homes including mine. It was always a pleasure to listen his voice during Prime Time News on TVJ. I also had the privilege of meeting him and that was my best moment of him, because his welcoming spirit made it a memorable experience."

Monica Hewitt, labourer: "Yuh affi mind how yuh answer Michael Sharpe because him very sharp during interviews, him will tie yuh up if yuh no pay close attention. Mi always admire him when him did a do Your Issues Live. That's when yuh see the real Michael Sharpe."

Fatty Ranks, coconut jelly vendor: "To be honest, mi no really know him personally but a nuff years mi a follow him in a media. Mi cyah even start think because a so much good memories mi have of him, but mi luv di work weh him do. Michael Sharpe is a very good man who help a lot of people have a better life through his work. A more than 25 years mi follow him fah."

Howard Solomon, carpenter: "Mi just a listen something on the radio about him, enuh ... mi always look forward to seeing him on TV a read news. Him have a voice weh mek him stand out. Mi like hear him voice, it very commanding as a journalist."

Eric Williams, JUTC bus driver: "Back in the days he was always precise in what he was doing. I remember when he was young and just got into the field, he was very adamant on getting the story and also getting the story right. He was a very good journalist, so I am very sad to hear about his passing. Michael Sharpe is someone who I followed for more than 20 years. His death is significant."