PRESS Association of Jamaica (PAJ) pays tribute to Pat Belinfanti

THE PRESS Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has expressed regret at the recent passing of veteran journalist and communications specialist, Pat Belinfanti.

At the time of his untimely death, Belinfanti was assistant vice-president, public and government relations at the Port Authority of Jamaica, a position he held since January 2006. He had worked previously as a communications specialist at the National Housing Trust and the Ministry of Transport and Works.

In a tribute to Belinfanti, the PAJ said he always displayed professionalism and courtesy in relating to the media.

contribution to journalism

"While he spent most of his professional life in corporate communications, Pat made a valuable contribution to the development of broadcast journalism in Jamaica," the PAJ said.

Claude Robinson, chief editor of television news at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation from 1969 to 1971, recounts Belinfanti's entry into journalism.

"My recollection is that Pat had come to JBC-TV fresh out of Jamaica College. He quickly developed into a fine, committed professional journalist with a capacity for hard work and attention to detail in the various skill areas of reporting and film editing."

Robinson describes Pat as "gentle and thoughtful", adding that he will be remembered by employees of the former JBC in the late 1960s and '70s as a "wonderful human being who placed a great value on service and friendship."

The PAJ expresses sympathy to Belinfanti's relatives and associates during their bereavement.