Senate Pays Tribute to Late Veteran Journalist Balford Henry

Members of the Senate, on Friday (September 25), paid tribute to late veteran journalist Balford Henry, recalling his decades of service to journalism and his contribution to public life.

President of the Senate, Tom Tavares-Finson, said that Mr. Henry was a fixture of the Senate and had developed extensive knowledge of Parliamentary procedures and the institution’s history.

He noted that Mr. Henry covered the legislature from 1974 until his retirement, giving him a front-row view of many of the developments that shaped successive generations of lawmakers.

He said that several Parliamentarians saw their names in print for the first time under Mr. Henry’s byline, underscoring the veteran journalist’s influence beyond simply reporting the news.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Abka Fitz-Henley, described Mr. Henry as a “stalwart” of the Jamaican and regional media.

He noted that the late journalist began his media career in 1971, shortly after leaving Wolmer’s High School, and quickly established himself as a reliable source of credible news.

Senator Fitz-Henley said that Mr. Henry had a particular ability to bring stories to life through his writing, allowing readers to form vivid pictures of the events he covered.

His coverage of the funeral of reggae icon Bob Marley earned him the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Award for Best Story in 1981.

Senator Fitz-Henly said that Mr. Henry mentored younger journalists, including himself, particularly in the cultivation of sources across government, the private sector and the opposition.

Acting Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, Senator Lambert Brown, recalled meeting Mr. Henry in the early 1970s when he was covering labour issues.

Senator Brown said the journalist was committed to balance, particularly when reporting on strikes and negotiations, and would seek to understand the motivations of both sides before writing his stories.

Senator Brown said Mr. Henry belonged to a generation of journalists that included Ben Brodie and Wilton Dyer, who helped shape Jamaican journalism.

He said Mr. Henry’s work was respected and extended condolences to his family.

Balford Henry died on September 14 after a period of illness. He was 74 years old.

He has a career in journalism spanning 50 years, serving at the Gleaner, the Jamaica Observer and Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

Mr. Henry was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for distinguished service to journalism in 2011.

He leaves behind two daughters.