Jamaica has lost a cultural and creative icon
THE EDITOR, Madam:
THE PASSING of the Hon Barbara Gloudon represents the dimming of a cultural and creative light that shone brilliantly for many decades across the great expanse that is the Jamaican media, communication and artistic landscape. Our nation has lost a cultural and creative icon.
‘Miss G’, as she came to be affectionately known by Jamaicans from all walks of life, utilised her gift of language and facility with the written and spoken word to profoundly and positively impact national life through written and broadcast journalism, public relations, tourism promotions, theatre and the Church.
Through her myriad professional pursuits, she accumulated a formidable body of work and gave national service as a reporter, editor, author, playwright, director, producer, communication expert, deputy director of tourism, talkshow host, and lay reader in the Anglican Church, among other endeavours. In all these vocations, she served with distinction and great enthusiasm, always inspired by all that is good and noble about Jamaica, its history, society and people.
Whether in her work as writer and producer of the National Pantomime or as a radio talkshow host, Barbara Gloudon was an unrepentant advocate for wholesome values and attitudes. She held firm to the belief that Jamaica is, at its core, a society of excellence, superb creativity, peace, love, courtesy and mutual respect. She maintained that the exercise of these qualities was not beyond any Jamaican man, woman or child. Her positive outlook and healthy vibrations endeared her to the people across the length and breadth of Jamaica and in the diaspora.
Given our many years of association and mutual exchanges, she was more like a sister to me; being always there to encourage and support.
At this time of tremendous sadness for her family, who are still grieving the recent passing of her husband Ancile, I offer heartfelt condolences to her children, siblings of the Goodison family, and numerous colleagues. I pray that the Lord will imbue them with strength and comfort at this time of inseparable loss. P.J. PATTERSON