Government, Opposition salute sports journalist Donald Oliver

The Government and the Opposition have paid tribute to late sports journalist and broadcaster Donald Oliver, hailing his professionalism, passion for storytelling, and impact on Jamaican sports media.

Oliver, 40, an award-winning journalist, died on Tuesday. The news was met with shock from members of the media and sports fraternities.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange, said Oliver's passing at “the young age of 40” has left her feeling "a deep sense of loss".

“Donald for 20 years demonstrated journalistic skills in sports writing, sportscasting, producing which earned him the respect of his viewers and listeners, the admiration of his colleagues and several awards," she said in a statement. “With his distinctive voice and analytical capacity, his coverage of numerous local and international sports events stood out.

Grange said Oliver "will be prominent among media practitioners remembered for their remarkable contribution to sports journalism in particular".

State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, said Oliver was "an outstanding journalist and a decent human being" whose work was never driven by ill intent.

"I am shocked and saddened," said Fitz-Henley, a former journalist, in a statement.

Fitz-Henley said Oliver’s journalism was competent and his commentary "exhilarated audiences". "He was excellent at using his voice, including adjusting the cadence and modulation, to convey to audiences exactly [what] was happening at an event he was covering, whether sports or otherwise. However, he was not only a sports journalist but a versatile professional."

Senator Fitz-Henley recalled that only weeks ago, Oliver travelled to St Elizabeth to interview Member of Parliament Floyd Green and himself about the impact of Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the journalist’s work in bringing attention to affected communities.

"Donald never exhibited the scourge of professional jealousy or badmind which sometimes exists in vocations, including media. He was always willing to offer a positive and useful word of advice to colleagues in a bid to see them better their craft," he said.

Opposition People's National Party Spokesperson on Sports, Wavell Hinds, described Oliver as a “sports giant” who helped shape how Jamaicans experienced and understood sport.

He said Oliver’s work set high standards in sports journalism and inspired younger professionals entering the field.

“Donald Oliver was more than a sports journalist. He was a passionate voice for sport and for the athletes whose stories deserved to be told,” Hinds said. “Through his work, he brought clarity, excitement, and respect to sports coverage.”

He added: "At a time when sports journalism plays a critical role in preserving our sporting history, Donald’s work reminded us that behind every match, every race, and every result, there is a human story. He told those stories with care and integrity."

Earlier, the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) expressed deep sadness at Oliver’s passing.

In a statement, the PAJ said Oliver was widely respected across the media fraternity for his professionalism, meticulous preparation and passion for telling the stories of Jamaican and Caribbean sport, particularly football and cricket.

The association noted that his work as a commentator, presenter and producer helped elevate sports journalism in the region and inspired a new generation of broadcasters.

The PAJ said Oliver’s excellence was recognised at the highest level, as he won several national journalism awards, including the Best Television Feature/Documentary Award and the Hugh Crosskill/Raymond Sharpe Award for Sports Journalism.

The federation noted that Oliver was a familiar voice and face in local sports commentary, particularly football.

The JFF said over the years, he worked with several mainstream media entities across Jamaica and the region, providing lead commentary for major competitions, including the schoolboy football competitions, the Jamaica Premier League, and Reggae Boyz matches in the CONCACAF Nations League and select international friendlies.

Oliver worked at SportsMax, which closed over the summer, TVJ, CVM TV and the Jamaica Observer.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com