‘One of the most accomplished photojournalists in the Caribbean’ - PAJ mourns Dellmar’s passing

The Press of Association of Jamaica (PAJ) says the career of Headley ‘Dellmar’ Samuels O. D. demonstrates the indispensable role of photojournalists in recording history and shaping public memory.

Samuels, the renowned Jamaican photojournalist whose lens captured the glory days of West Indies cricket, died yesterday.

He was a life member of the PAJ and spent 13 years at The Gleaner.

President of the PAJ Dashan Hendricks described Samuels as one of the most accomplished photojournalists in the Caribbean who documented West Indies cricket “at its glorious peak”.

Dellmar, as he was popularly known, covered 175 test matches and seven Cricket World Cup tournaments.

“His photographs did more than capture sporting action; they preserved an important chapter of Caribbean history and helped generations of readers experience the triumphs, personalities and spirit of West Indies cricket,” the PAJ president said.

He said Samuels’ trademark felt hat, determination to secure the best angle and instinct for the defining moment made him a memorable figure both inside and outside the boundary.

“Caribbean journalism has lost a master visual storyteller, but Dellmar’s remarkable body of work will endure,” Hendricks said.

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