STEVE Haughey, The Tribune's former chief operating officer, and ex-controller at the 100 Jamz radio station, passed away yesterday morning following a short illness.

Former Tribune colleagues were left stunned by the sudden loss of Mr Haughey, who joined the daily newspaper in the mid-1990s as its financial controller after first arriving in The Bahamas to work for the KPMG accounting firm in the late 1980s.

Over time he became increasingly involved in other aspects of The Tribune’s operations, and at its radio affiliate, 100 Jamz, where he became its controller and most senior executive. Mr Haughey held the post of The Tribune’s chief operating officer at the time he left in around 2012 to take up the same post with Colina Holdings (Bahamas), the BISX-listed life and health insurance, a post he held until his passing.

Ex-colleagues remembered Mr Haughey as a diligent, thorough and hard-working executive who played a key role in the success that both 100 Jamz and The Tribune enjoyed during his near two-decade service with the group. He was also a keen runner and health/fitness enthusiast, frequently spotted out jogging and often to be found exercising during lunch breaks.

A past Board member and treasurer of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, he was also a marathon runner. “His joining the Board is a hilarious story that I can relate at a more appropriate time,” said one Rotarian yesterday. “He was chief operating officer of the Colina Group and an avid runner/marathoner. Quite a shock. Rest in peace old friend.”

The Tribune and 100 Jamz extend their condolences to Mr Haughey’s family and friends.

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