30 YEARS OF ‘PROFILE-ING’

EVERYONE HAS a story, and Jamaicans are some of the best storytellers around. For the past 30 years, every Sunday afternoon, viewers have been enjoying these stories from some of the most interesting Jamaicans, on Ian Boyne’s now iconic television interview show – Profile. The three-decade milestone of the longestrunning non-seasonal programme on Jamaican television was celebrated at an fabulous event at King’s House in St Andrew on Tuesday night. The popularity of Profile was made clear by the event’s attendees. Among those gathered to celebrate the anniversary were four former prime ministers, the current prime minister, a former governor general, ambassadors, billionaires, and other nation builders.

‘PROFILE’ AN INSTITUTION

Ambassador Burchell Whiteman offered greetings, noting that Profile has become a national institution focused on the promotion of positive values, role models, and the forging of excellence. “Profile shows it can be done. Showing what is right in Jamaica to fix what is wrong.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that he would have started watching Profile when he was 14 years old, emphasising that the

programme is unmatched in longevity. Leader of the Opposition Portia Simpson Miller praised Boyne, noting that he brings out the best in our people for all to see, and that we are reminded we are not alone in our challenges.

It was a touching moment when Boyne’s daughter, KellyAnn, after performing the poem ‘I Rise’ noted: “I am proud to be a child of Ian Boyne. My father, you are a pioneer and I am honoured to be your daughter.”

The main address of the evening was made by chairman of the Economic Growth Council, Micheal Lee-Chin, who noted that it could be no easy feat to keep the show going for 30 years while remaining relevant.

Boyne was gracious in his response, thanking all who have been associated with the programme. “We need to tell these stories to show what others have gone through and what they have achieved,” he said.

The evening ended with a vote of thanks from Marie Rowe, chief executive officer of the Jamaica Information Service.

PHOTOS BY DARIEN ROBERTSON/ FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER A very poised Kelly-Ann Boyne.

A very rare sight – Prime Minster Andrew Holness (second left) with four former prime ministers. (From left) Edward Seaga, Portia Simpson Miller, P.J. Patterson, and Bruce Golding.

AMCHAM Jamaica CEO Gail Abrahams with her husband, Dr Michael Abrahams, who had everyone in stitches.

A family portrait with (from left) the man of the night Ian Boyne, his wife, Margaret, and children, Kelly-Ann Boyne, Brianna Grant, and André Skeen.

Ian Boyne welcomes former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson to the 30th anniversary of his programme Profile.

Michael Lee-Chin (left) has the full attention of former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall (centre) and Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Attorney-at-Law Michael Champagne with his beautiful companion for the evening, Connie Williams.