RJRGLEANER mourns passing of track and field analyst Hubert Lawrence

The RJRGLEANER family is in shock following the death of extraordinary track and field analyst and commentator Hubert Lawrence.

Lawrence passed away suddenly at his home in St Catherine yesterday.

The RG family is immediately experiencing the void from Hubert's passing as he was on roster to be in the morning session of the first major broadcast track and field event for the 2024 season, the Gibson McCook Relays, that is broadcast on Television Jamaica, Hitz 92FM and Pay Per View for audiences outside of Jamaica.

RJRGLEANER directors, managers and staff are all impacted by Lawrence's passing as he was an invaluable contributor to both the Broadcast and Print Services of our business.

He was an analyst on TVJ, TVJSN and Hitz 92FM and a contributing writer for The Gleaner.

Lawrence's contribution to the Jamaican and regional track and field product has been transformative and standard setting.

At the Sydney Olympics in 2000 he was one of the voices that heralded a new and refreshing track field product for audiences, as for the first time the region was able to hear its own voices on commentary and analysis via the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) production of the Olympic Games - Hubert was that pioneer.

Other regional executions of the Olympic Games done by CMC thereafter also featured Hubert's expertise.

Since 2012, Lawrence has been a member of major track and field executions for Television Jamaica, from the Olympic Games, World Championships, National Championships, ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships, Gibson McCook Relays, Jamaica International Invitational Meet, and the Racers Grand Prix.

His delivery on these events have established him as an outstanding resource that awed audiences as he effortlessly contextualised events and athletes with amazing details on their personal life and their athletic performance history.

He was an extraordinary talent who many had come to refer to as a walking encyclopedia of all things Track and Field.

His depth of knowledge and recall of critical moments in track and field during broadcasts has been central to Jamaican audiences growing in their appreciation of the sport in which the country has had greatest global sporting success.

“His passion for track and field and his unwavering commitment to be the best at his chosen craft is the work ethic that epitomises everything that our group represents,” said Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, Claire Grant.

“Hubert will be deeply missed by all,” she added.

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