By Sherlock Holmes
Many are mourning the death of journalist and businessman Joel Earl Lawson who died last week in Montego Bay.
Lawson who died age 56, was known as philanthropist, promoter, photographer, graphic artist and cable show coordinator in addition to his role as a journalist for many publications and media over the years.
Jack, as he is affectionately known, was born in Mt Salem in Montego Bay and up to the time of his death he owned and operated the Computer World, Strand Street. The father of four who attended school in Mt Salem at a very tender age went on to earn a spot at Kingston College and after leaving school ventured in the field of journalism.
His career started in the late eighties at the Western Mirror, formerly the Beacon and he later moved on to launch out in publishing the Real Times magazine and more recently Hot Newsnewspaper. Lawson at one time indicated to this reporter that he was inspired in his quest by popular Montego Bay figures such as Westmore Thomas, Cordel Green and by journalist Franklin McKnight.
His life in Montego Bay saw Lawson being one of the most popular figures for the role he played in supplying retro music and his expertise at graphic art. His most recent creation was the Cable Television entertainment segment dubbed the DJ Charm Show which he still hosted until he was too ill to continue. On a daily basis, Lawson inspired people from all over western Jamaica including this reporter whom he praised.
Lawson was the man who could create any design on a computer. He knew the name of almost every singer from way back in the sixties and could provide you with any record from way back when. This came as a shock to many to know that a person so young knew so much musical history. Anyone including overseas visitors needing to know the name of a particular artiste or to purchase a particular hit song from the fifties could turn to Joel Lawson.
Lawson fell ill in late July and was admitted to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his illnesses last Wednesday.
