Alma Mock-Yen
- PBCJ AV Library
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Pioneer of Jamaican Media
Alma Hylton Mock-Yen, who celebrated her 96th birthday in 2024, is a celebrated Jamaican media figure, often hailed as the 'arbiter of media' and a cornerstone of contemporary journalism. With a distinguished career that dates back to the 1940s, Mock-Yen is a skilled journalist, author, educator, and cultural historian. Recently, she launched her sixth book, Reflections and Footnotes, which explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience, showcasing her ability to provoke thought and inspire her audience.
Her impact stretches across various media platforms, where she adeptly navigates complex topics and engages in discussions about culture, society, and current affairs. Mrs. Mock-Yen has played an essential role in fostering dialogue around important societal issues and is deeply committed to advocating for social change through storytelling.
A pioneer in education, Mock-Yen was among the first students at the Caribbean Institute of Mass Communication (CARIMAC) at the University of the West Indies, where she also lectured. She has contributed to the arts as a founding member of the Ivy Baxter Modern Creative Dance Group and was the founder of the Harbour View Dancers. She is known for her work in writing Jamaica's first integrated musical. Throughout her life, Mock-Yen has met notable figures, including Queen Elizabeth II and Sean Connery. Now in her 90s, she remains active in cultural and social activities and continues to engage with audiences on social media.
Her accomplishments include winning the 1945 Miss YMCA beauty contest, writing poetry, enjoying horticultural therapy and dominoes. Alma Mock-Yen’s legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to integrity in journalism and her profound influence on the media landscape in Jamaica.
