Remembering Ian Boyne
THE EDITOR, Sir: THE PASSING of the late journalist Ian Boyne is another reminder for mankind to always face the insecurity of life, and be ready to face the certainty of death.
My best experience with Boyne was in the late 1980’s when I tried to learn about the Church of God International, of which he was chairman of the branch in Jamaica. After writing to the organisation, they sent me a reply with his contact details as one of the persons whom I could communicate with.
I called him, and another leader in the church, but Boyne was the one I maintained regular contact with. During the telephone calls, our discussions went into everything, except church; media, vintage music and much of the issues of the day, both local, and international.
Over time, I got to know his family, especially his then wife, Sharon. Importantly, although he was quite busy as the communications officer at the Ministry of Commerce, and later, JAMPRO, our conversations moved from scarcely, to regular. During this time, on his part, it was humanity at its best. Utilising the call box (public telephone) in the square of Kitson Town, St Catherine, I benefitted immensely from quality time that he gave to an unknown country boy, who would today be described as an “unattached youth.
INSPIRED BY HIS WORK
I was inspired by his features in the then Sunday Magazine, published by The Gleaner, and the persons he highlighted on his television programme, Profile, and to be dialoguing with the man behind these, it was a propeller for me to rise above my own circumstances.
Boyne demonstrated through entrepreneurism that journalists don’t have to always work for other people, and retire in penury. So, I remember him for giving a listening ear to me, 30 years ago, when I contemplated many life directions.
We follow a pathway that has no end as we travel through life day by day.
Together with those who are dear to our hearts and are there by our side, come what may.
But sometimes a loved one must travel ahead for reasons that aren’t always clear.
And we’re left behind to continue along, missing one who is no longer here.
And while it may seem that the pathway has stopped, it merely has rounded a bend, And our loved one goes on to a much brighter place down the pathway that has no end.