The Last Of The Media “Kens” Passes … Ken Allen

January 27, 2021 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

The media landscape in Jamaica is the poorer for the loss of two stalwarts in recent weeks.

Gordon “Butch” Stewart founder of the Jamaica Observer Newspaper died a few weeks ago and now Ken Allen former editor of the Gleaner Newspaper.  Ken Allen was from a generation that took their news hound activities seriously.

Ken Allen has been ailing for sometime now and has finally succumb to an undisclosed medical condition. We extend our condolence to his surviving relatives, media fraternity and the late Ken Allen’s close associates.

Who Is Ken Allen?

Ken Allen has been a veteran journalist who has been well known in media circles. This veteran journalist was from an era that did not pull punches and drove fear in the hearts of many for their in-depth investigation and opinion pieces.  To be featured in an editorial is to be stained with indignation. Such scrutiny would not leave you looking very good. In fact many persons of worth would heap scorn on such a person.

Ken Allen’s Media Career

For over six decades the name Ken Allen has graced our media landscape.  He rose to the high level of Editor-In Chief of the Grand Old Lady of North Street aka the Gleaner with over 180 years of publication in Jamaica.  Back then the Gleaner was synonymous to news as Kodak is to photography.

Press Association Of Jamaica (PAJ)

Ken Allen was recognized by the Press Association Of Jamaica for his many years of outstanding contribution to the media fraternity.

Tributes continue to pour in. We extend sympathy his family. Further details on his long and distinguish ed career in media will follow as soon as we get more details. Funeral is yet to be announced.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who has International exposure. Ken was known to me for a long time. Sad!