The Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) described Clarke as a titan of Caribbean media, adding that his mission was centred on press freedom and media independence.
“With his counterparts and friends Harold Hoyte of the Nation in Barbados, J Lester Spaulding of Radio Jamaica Limited, and Ken Gordon of the Trinidad Express, Oliver championed a united regional media giving birth to the Caribbean News Agency and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union.
“The quality and growth of Jamaica's media environment and its excellent level of press freedom attained are the legacies of the work and passion of Oliver.
“Oliver Clarke will forever be regarded as a media pioneer, a press freedom fighter and one who transformed the business of media into a critical contributor to national development.
Describing Clarke as a great Jamaican patriot, NCU President Dr Lincoln Edward said the late businessman “advocated tirelessly to protect and promote press freedom across the Americas through international forums such as the Inter-American Press Association as well as the Commonwealth Press Association
He pointed out that it was in recognition of Clarke's distinguished public service that the university conferred on him the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, during the institution's commencement in August 2013, where he delivered the keynote address.
