Farewell, John Maxwell

Whether you liked, disliked or disagreed with him - which many did - you couldn't help but respect John Maxwell, the Jamaican journalist, who died last Friday from cancer of the throat, aged 76.

Maxwell started his career at this newspaper in 1952 and was a man of the left, who was clear about where he stood and left no doubt in anyone's mind about it. He roared and thundered on behalf of the poor of Jamaica and the world, in support of the environment and against those whom he felt undermined or betrayed those interests.

But perhaps, roaring and thundering are inapt descriptions. For while he was heard above the din, his narrative was sharp and clear, with turns of phrases that were rapier in their effect on those at the receiving end.

Perhaps more than anything else, however, John Maxwell was courageous and his opinions honestly held. John Maxwell was, above all else, a journalist.

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