Oliver Clarke, Media Icon Is Dead

May 18, 2020May 18, 2020 News Room

May 17, 2020 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

Former chairman of the RJR/Gleaner Communications Group Oliver Clarke has passed.

Mr. Oliver Clarke was 75 having been born in 1944. He was educated at the London School of Economics (LSE). Clarke was suffering from cancer.

The Clarke Family

The family is well known in Jamaica for their entrepreneurial spirit.

The Gleaner

In 2003 Oliver Clarke led the Gleaner to the successful issue of a debenture to the public to raise JA$4 million dollars. The cash raised allowed the Gleaner to pay off all its debts. The Gleaner is 185 years old. Having been founded in 1834. It is commonly and affectionately referred to as the “Old lady of North Street”

Building Society

For over a hundred years the Clarke Family has been founders and have engaged in merger of building societies Nationwide. The renowned Westmoreland Benefit Society was started by them.

This business expanded to form the Jamaica National Building Society (JN) now an international brand name.

Jamaica National Bank

JN is regarded as one of the most successful Businesses in the Caribbean. Current CEO for the RJR Group, Gary Allen said:

“Oliver Clarke was a patriot who always put the best interest of Jamaica first”

The business further became a bank and has Nationwide presence.

Insurance

Insurance has been a part of the group.

We are sad at the loss of this astute businessman in the person of Oliver Clarke. May his soul rest in peace.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie SIC for Vision Newspaper Canada, is also a veteran Journalist has been associated with Mr. Oliver Clarke for over 40 years.