Press Association of Jamaica Mourns Death of Veteran Broadcaster Dervan Malcolm

KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) is mourning veteran broadcaster and journalist Dervan Malcolm, who died Thursday following a period of illness.

Malcolm who began his broadcasting career in 1993 while still in high school, was a news presenter and editor, sportscaster, talk show producer and executive producer.

PAJ President Dashan Hendricks said Malcolm represented the best of Jamaican broadcasting and journalism, describing his death as a significant loss to the profession.

The PAJ has extended condolences to Malcolm’s family, friends, colleagues and the many people who were touched by his work.

The association said while his voice may be silent, his contribution to Jamaican journalism and public service will not be forgotten.

Members of the political directorate have also expressed sadness at the death of broadcaster Dervan Malcolm.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said for more than 30 years Jamaicans listened to his calm, distinct and trusted voice.

“Through his work at Power 106 and especially his programme, Both Sides of the Story, Malcolm created space for meaningful conversations on the issues that mattered to Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora.”

He said the broadcaster was a consummate communicator who used his platform to inform, educate and empower and Jamaica has lost a respected broadcaster and a distinctive voice whose contribution will not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Culture, Creative Industries and Information, Nekeisha Burchell described Malcolm as a super talent and a master of the broadcast craft.

“He was blessed with that awful silky voice, but what made him special went far beyond the sound of his voice. He was poised, controlled and completely unruffled behind the microphone. He had a signature style that was unmistakably his own. From his early years at Power 106, where he began while still a student and Head Boy at Calabar High School, Dervan became part of that pioneering generation which helped to shape the character of the station under his general manager Newton James,” she remembered.

Burchell also commended his fairness, authenticity and respect for his audience, which she said were as central to his legacy as his technical brilliance.