The Editor, Sir:

I met Hartley Neita when as a young reporter, I was assigned by the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) to cover Michael Manley during the campaign leading up to the 1989 general elections. It was my first political campaign and I did not know what to expect so I was very nervous.

Once I met Hartley, who was the media liaison, my nervousness disappeared. We became instant friends and after the campaign was over, we would talk on the phone and exchange notes about life and politics.

Our friendship was cemented when he became my neighbour about 12 years ago and we were able to share so many hours visiting or chatting on the phone.

Illustrious career

Hartley was my history teacher and regaled me with stories about politics from the days of Sir Alexander Bustamante, Sir Donald Sangster, the Hugh Shearer, Michael Manley, Edward Seaga and P.J Patterson.

Hartley had worked with all of these men at some point in his illustrious career as a journalist and public servant.

He was a storyteller extraordinaire and enthusiastically shared with those of us who were younger what Jamaica was like when he was a young man.

He was also a great family man. He loved his children and his grandchildren, and the grandchildren had him wrapped around their fingers. Hartley was committed to his friends and loved to 'labrish' about any and everything Jamaican.

He was a true and unpretentious patriot. Jamaica has lost one of its brightest stars and I have lost a friend. Walk good, my friend and teacher.

I am, etc.,

SANDREA FALCONER

Kingston