JAMAICAN CONSULATE GENERAL, MIAMI
842 INGRAHAM BUILDING, 25 S.E. SECOND AVENUE , MIAMI, FL 33131
Tel: (305) 374-8431, Fax: (305) 577-4970, [email protected]

MESSAGE ON THE PASSING OF THE HON. LOUISE SIMONE BENNETT-COVERLEY, O.M., O.J., M.B.E. FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL OF JAMAICA, MIAMI

On the 26th of July 2006 Jamaica not only lost a great folklorist, poet, playwright, director, lyricist, actor, comedienne, and all ‘round entertainer, but also bade farewell to its premier literary cultural anthropologist. Moreso than Marcus Garvey or Bob Marley, Louise Bennett-Coverley defined Jamaican identity. She uplifted our indigenous language through academic research and presentation, and distributed it, to the benefit of the elite and the ordinary alike, through her abundant and extraordinary comedic talent.

Her lifework is a testament to the fact that the thoughtful, loving, passionate nurture of even the humblest of pursuits or interests can lead to great, lifelong personal satisfaction. Furthermore, in cases such of persons such as “Miss Lou”, it is clear that fervent and patriotic efforts made in regard to one’s chosen interest may lead to tremendous public acclaim and impact. Yet, for all the recognition Mrs. Bennett-Coverley was given, Jamaicans at home and abroad wish there was just one more opportunity to tell her how much we all cared for, and adored, her.

More than anything, Louise Bennett taught us that there is pride and profundity in even the simplest of things. What better example of that philosophy do we have than her signature departing statement…”walk good”. In uttering those two words she was saying, stand proud, be safe, take care where you tread and, in all your actions, be the best example of humanity possible.

Walk good, Miss Lou, and thank you for your love, your laughter and your shining example.