The following is a letter from veteran Jamaica Information Service (JIS) journalist Garfield Angus addressed to Dashan Hendricks, president of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ):

Mr. Dashan Hendricks
President,
Press Association of Jamaica
5-8 East Ave, Kingston

Dear Mr. Hendricks,

RE: Mr Leslie Miles

I am proposing that during the 2025 observance of National Journalism Week, that the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), bestows a special recognition on Mr. Leslie Miles, for his many decades of dedication to journalism, and nurturing of many careers.

Miles was a sub-editor at the former Jamaica Daily News and later served as the editor-in-chief at the now-defunct Jamaica Record, where in 1991, he opened doors for me, an unattached youth from rural Jamaica.

The admirable character of Mr. Miles allowed him to take a telephone call from me, who was unknown, untrained, and after a lengthy and searching conversation, he decided to assist me in entering the field of journalism.

Recently, several senior journalists have spoken glowingly about how Mr. Miles helped them to develop their skills, and become cemented in the profession.

I believe this recognition by the PAJ will portray a gratitude to our friend and colleague, that money can’t deliver, as well as give credence to much of what is said about celebrated colleagues when they depart this life.

I also recommend that during the celebration of National Journalism Week, a period is used to visit with journalists who are retired or have become incapacitated. This, I believe, will provide assurance that their time in the profession is specially appreciated by those now at the forefront of media. It can also provide grounding and increase knowledge for younger journalists.

Yours sincerely,

Garfield L. Angus