NEW YORK, United States — Jamaicans across the United States (US) have reacted with sadness to the death of iconic business leader Oliver F Clarke, as they pay tribute to one of the country's best known private sector leaders for his sterling contributions to nation-building.

In his tribute, president of the Ex-Correctional Officers Association of Jamaica, Ronnie Hammick, described Clarke as one of those leaders who displayed “an unqualified commitment to Jamaica and the development of its people”.

Dr Joyce El-Ali, president of the National Association of Jamaica and Supportive Organisations, which is the umbrella organisation for several organisations serving Jamaica in the Diaspora, noted that Jamaica has lost a champion with the passing of Clarke.

Dr Rupert Francis, a former member of the Jamaica Defence Force and current head of the Jamaica Diaspora Task Force on crime and prevention, described Clarke as a stalwart “who stood up for fairness, integrity, and honesty”.

He was also well known in financial circles as head of the Jamaica National Building Society, now Jamaica National Bank, as well as for his role in the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, which he helped to found and later served as president.