Jamaican media pioneer Alma Mock Yen dies at 97

Alma Mock Yen, a pioneering Jamaican journalist, broadcaster, and author, died on Wednesday after a period of illness. She was 97.

"Mock Yen was not only as an accomplished broadcaster, but also a trailblazer whose legacy will continue to influence Jamaican media practice for years to come. Her passing represents a significant loss to the profession and to the nation," said the Press Association of Jamaica.

Her death came a day after the sudden passing of sports journalist and broadcaster Donald Oliver.

Mock Yen’s career spanned decades, during which she was a broadcaster, lecturer at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication at The University of the West Indies (UWI Mona), and a leading figure in the Caribbean media.

Alongside the late actor Ranny Williams, she pioneered the Jamaican radio drama Life With The Morgan-Henrys, which aired on Sundays, and was among the first persons of colour recruited to work at RJR (now Radio Jamaica).

A versatile practitioner, Mock Yen also distinguished herself in dance and theatre. She was an original member of the Ivy Baxter Modern Creative Dance Group, performed in Noel Vaz’s Noah, appeared in pantomimes, and authored books on radio and media practice.

In a 2007 interview with The Gleaner, she reflected on the evolution of radio, saying, “We have to set standards for people. Radio is more accessible now and that's growth and that's change, but I hope the better elements will survive.”

In its statement, the Press Association of Jamaica hailed Mock Yen as “distinguished broadcaster whose voice, intellect, and professionalism helped shape Jamaican broadcast journalism for decades.”

"Alma Mock Yen was a respected and pioneering figure in the media landscape, known for her calm authority, incisive interviewing style, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity," the group said. "Through her work, she set high standards for broadcast journalism and served as a role model for generations of journalists, particularly women entering the profession."

It added that her contribution to public discourse was "marked by clarity, fairness, and a deep respect for the Jamaican audience". "Whether reporting on national affairs or facilitating critical conversations, she brought credibility and gravitas to the airwaves, earning the trust and admiration of listeners across the island."

Mock Yen, a respected poet, was also noted for her role in helping to establish distance education at The UWI.

A past student of Wolmer's Trust High School for Girls, she attended the school on a scholarship in the 1940s, graduating at the top of her class in English literature.

Mock Yen, a member of Jamaica's Order of Distinction, was honoured as a PAJ Veteran Journalist in 2011.

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