Jamaica’s minister of culture, Olivia Grange, has paid tribute to Jamaican-Canadian broadcasting entrepreneur Fitzroy Gordon, who passed away  in Toronto last week.

Minister Grange, herself a former resident of Toronto, said Gordon — who founded Canada’s Black and Caribbean- owned and operated radio station, G98.7FM — was an “outstanding promoter of Jamaican and Caribbean culture and a hero of the black community in Toronto”.

“Fitzroy Gordon achieved so much and made such a remarkable difference in the lives of so many people. I was always impressed by the way he dedicated his life to helping people, especially expatriates from Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean, promoting our culture and traditions, and giving a real voice to black issues through G98.7FM.”

She extended condolences to Gordon’s family, friends and the Caribbean community in Canada “who will mourn this great loss”.

In another  message of condolence, the Caribana Arts Group (CAG)  described the passing of Fitzroy Gordon as ” a community loss. ”

“As founder and CEO of G98.7, Intercity Broadcasting (aka CK-Fitzroy-Gordon aka CKFG-FM),  Fitzroy Gordon brought the community together.   We are forever grateful for his contributions to the city and to our community.

“Fitzroy Gordon invited everyone to the table and gave us a voice. He was not afraid to confront tough issues and encouraged us to do the same.

“G98.7 will forever be an emphatic auditory pillar for the  Black and Caribbean population of Canada and to all Canadians who love and enjoy our culture.”

“Fitzroy Gordon dedicated his life to helping people and his studios are and continue to be a haven for the tremendous talent of our community.”

“In 2011, we celebrated as a community with the launch of Canada’s only Black and Caribbean owned and operated radio station and today we mourn as a community on the loss of Mr. Gordon –  ultimately, that’s just “the way we groove” – as the community he sought to bring together. We thank you “Mr. G”.

“Fitzroy Gordon will be missed, and on behalf of the Caribana™ Arts Group members and friends, we extend our condolences to the Gordon family.”

“To the G-family, we are deeply sorry for your loss,” the CAG said.

A funeral  service for the late Fitzroy Gordon will be held at Global Kingdom Ministries in Scarborough on Friday.