Press Association of Jamaica Regrets Passing of Michael Shaw

The Press Association of Jamaica notes, with regret, the passing of veteran news photographer Michael Shaw.

Shaw, as he was popularly known, was a 44-year veteran of the profession. He was fun-loving, dedicated, easy to get along with and an uncomplicated worker, who loved his job, took great pride in how it was executed and the outcomes of that pursuit. There is no greater demonstration of that than where he died … on the job, among his colleagues and practising the profession he loved.

Born on May 26, 1956, Michael worked at several entities including the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) from 1971 to 1972 and the Gleaner Company from 1972 to 1989, before joining the JIS from 1989 where he stayed until 1993.

Always one seeking to expand his knowledge and exposure to the craft he joined the Jamaica Observer in 1993 for three years.   In 1996 he moved on from the Jamaica Observer to join JAMPRESS, the then government news agency, in 1996.

Shaw re-joined the JIS in 2000 when the agency became an executive agency, merging both the JIS and JAMPRESS to become one entity.

He was an easy-going, selfless person with a ready smile.  He was always  looking out for the younger photographers in the business ensuring that they got ‘the shot’ or were advised what type of ‘shots’ (pictures) their editors would be expecting.

We at the Press Association of Jamaica extend our sincere condolences to his wife of 27 years  Curline, his children Adrian, Stephen, Chevon, Lamaro and Kaylia, and his colleagues and friends.