‘Powerhouse’ journalist Barbara Gayle gets tearful send-off

The life and legacy of legendary journalist and court reporter Barbara Gayle were honoured yesterday at the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston, where a multitude gathered to pay their final respects.

Friends, journalists, members of the police force, legal fraternity, judiciary, and residents from her community joined her family in a heartfelt farewell. Described as kind-hearted, loving, and compassionate, Gayle was deeply cherished by all who knew her. A devoted Seventh-day Adventist, she lived a life rooted in faith and service. The 77-year-old was murdered in her Caymanas Estate home on December 17, sending shock waves through the quiet St Catherine community. Her suspected killer is behind bars and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Though her funeral was marked by tears, it was also filled with laughter as attendees shared fond memories of her vibrant spirit. Her son, Neil Josephs, told the congregation that his mother would not have wanted sadness, but rather for everyone to celebrate her life.

"Everybody here knows my mother," Josephs said. "She always had an upbeat spirit, always had good energy, running a lot of jokes. I've never really seen my mother angry. When I just came to Jamaica and went to the community she's from, I realised everybody's spirit was down...and I said to them, 'Listen, remember who my mother was. Miss Barbara Gayle would be the first person to tell you, you got to get up and keep going.'"

Josephs also shared how his mother's strength helped him cope with the loss of his sister in 2023, drawing inspiration from her unwavering resilience in the face of grief.

Gayle's daughter, Dr Alison Williams, spoke of her mother's dedication to their education and her passion for journalism.

"But beyond her professional accolades, she was a kind, empathetic, and loving mother who wanted the best for me, my siblings, and everyone who crossed her path."

"Growing up, I didn't feel like I had to listen to the news because my mom was the news," she said. "There were many people whom she took under her wings, helping them by giving them jobs she could have easily done herself just so she could support them."

Gayle's impact on the justice system was also profound. Chairman of the General Legal Council, Michael Hylton, recounted their deep friendship and shared how Gayle insisted on dancing with him at his recent anniversary party.

"I did not know Barbara to be a dancer, but she insisted because she enjoyed the music. Two days later, our friend was murdered in her home. We were in a state of shock and disbelief. My friend did not deserve this type of death. Miss B, as I usually call her, we shall certainly miss you." He added that Gayle positively impacted many persons in the justice system, and provided a voice for the voiceless. One of her most notable contributions was bringing national attention to the case of a young girl from Portland who was jailed for not speaking loudly enough in court. Gayle's reporting ignited public outrage, ultimately prompting the government to install microphones in courtrooms.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn, shared a friendship with Gayle for more than 30 years.

"As I grew to know her, I realised that though diminutive in size, she was a powerhouse as a talented journalist, especially in court reporting. She was fair and detailed, but her joy of life was grounded in the Lord," Llewellyn said.

"It was a privilege to have had Barbara as one of my great 'big woman' friends. She was priceless as a friend and an encourager. I will miss her morning messages. I will miss discussing cases with her. I will miss discussing life with her," she added. Llewellyn also emphasised Gayle's strong faith and commitment to fairness, making it clear that the prosecution of her case would be handled with diligence.

Gayle worked at The Gleaner for more than three decades, beginning on September 2, 1968, and retiring in 2012. Even after retirement, she remained a force in journalism, with her final piece published the very Tuesday before her passing. Senior staff reporter Jovan Johnson said that as important as her formidable body of work is, Gayle was a decent human being and a genuinely kind soul.

"Barbara was a generous mentor, a seemingly bottomless repository of information about the courts, always willing to give guidance on how to approach complex issues," he said.

"To some of us, particularly in the editorial department, Barbara was a friend and a mother figure. While her pen will no longer produce, in some ways, it still will because while she may not be holding it, her influence will remain in the writings of others," he added.