Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller expressed sadness and regret the passing of American broadcast journalist with Jamaican roots, Gilbert “Gil” Noble.

“With the passing of Gil Noble, the voice of an advocate for the cause of social justice and a champion of the black experience in the United States of America has been stilled,” Simpson Miller said in a news release.

“In his own urbane and dignified manner, Gil Noble used mainstream American media to raise the platform for the views of minority groups. His contribution also, in no small way, helped to influence generations of black leadership in the USA,” she added.

TRUE FRIEND

Born in Harlem of Jamaican parents, Gil Noble was a true friend of Jamaica. A highly respected and most decent human being, his rise to the pinnacle of excellence in his profession endeared him to the world.

She recalled his poignant interviews with the late former Prime Minister Michael Manley, and more recently with former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson both of which served to bring the Caribbean perspective on key international issues to audiences in that influential part of the world.

“He was a man who used his influence with great effect for the greater good of humanity.” The Prime Minister offered, on behalf of the people of Jamaica, heartfelt condolences to his widow Norma Jean, their children, and other family members, and to his many friends and colleagues in journalism across the world.

“Like our first national hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey, the legacy of Gil Noble will continue to flourish wherever persons of colour in America embark upon a career in public broadcast journalism.”