By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

VETERAN journalist and broadcaster Paul Anthony White was described as an “outstanding family man, poet and champion” by loved ones who paid their final respects yesterday.

Mr White was laid to rest in St Agnes Church’s cemetery, surrounded by family and friends.

Former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest said Mr White’s life serves as a shining example that where you are born does not determine how far you go in life. He said despite being born in an Over the Hill community, Mr White “overcame those disadvantages and struggles to enjoy a life that inspired others.”

“He was not only my cousin, but my friend and confidant. Many know him from being a speech writer for government and political leaders, but he also wrote plays and dramatic productions. He was also a faithful Anglican who loved and served his God from the day he was born to the end,” he said.

“He was a strong family man who was devoted to his children. He was a man of noble virtues and it is now up to us to continue his virtues through our lives. I will surely miss my cousin and my close friend. His life is forever a testimony that something great can come from Grants Town.”

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, in a special tribute to Mr White on Friday, said “P. Anthony still had so many words to write and pictures to paint because he was, by talent and life’s work, an artist – a journalist, playwright and political columnist – who sketched with words.

“P. Anthony,” he said, “was a father and a grandfather, delighted and fulfilled by the accomplishments of his children, but always understated, never prideful or boastful, always loving. He was passionate in his belief that every child had to have, deserved, a father, and he was not above standing in for an absent father.
“P. Anthony was an FNM. He was the son of a staunch PLP who had stood for election for that party in the 1950s. But the son who had supported the progressive movement from the beginning finally became disillusioned with the party of his father as he witnessed the betrayal of the ideals of the quiet revolution. After joining the FNM he devoted his considerable talents to promoting its message among the people.”

Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes, Prime Minister Perry Christie, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, cabinet ministers and former cabinet ministers attended the homegoing service.
Archdeacon I Ranfurly Brown delivered the sermon.
Mr White died last week from complications following surgery. He was 73. He worked as a professional writer for more than 40 years. At one point, he served as a New York correspondent for The Nassau Herald and spent three years at the New York Herald-Tribune.

He was chairman and CEO of the radio station Joy FM at the time of his death.

Mr White is survived by three daughters, one son and eight grandchildren.