The Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou) gives young Jade Harris a 'chups' for performing her poem, 'Cuss Cuss', at the launch of the Jamaica Language Schools Literary Competition at the University of the West Indies, Mona, on August 13, 2003. Miss Lou was the patron of the competition. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
The Editor, Sir:
With the passing of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, Jamaica has lost one of the most celebrated cultural icons it has ever had. Through three generations Miss Lou captured our hearts and our imagination with her authentic portrayal of the persons we
really are - complex, yet simple;
proud, yet humble; aggressive,
yet compassionate.
She, more than any other cultural exponent, taught us to laugh at ourselves without demeaning ourselves, to smile even in the face of distress, and to love life even with its uncertainties and disappointments. She became the standard by which cultural performers were judged.
I remember how appreciative I was in November last year when I was invited by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) to address its Outlook Forum in Toronto and saw her seated in the front row. In speaking to her then she was as jovial and entertaining as the Miss Lou we have come to love and claim as part of our
heritage.
Jamaica has lost one of its most beloved daughters, but she has left a treasure house of happy memories and a storehouse of cultural assets that will last for generations.
I am, etc.,
Bruce Golding
Leader of the Opposition
The Editor, Sir:
Fab 5 would like to take this opportunity to offer condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, as well as the entire nation who share in the loss of a cultural icon.
Miss Lou was there at our birth and even before when Fab 5 was struggling for birth in the womb of creative energy. We performed with her for Pantomime, we accompanied her on recordings, and she took us on our first official tour outside Jamaica. She was our mentor. Our love for her was, and is, unconditional, and has no restrictions or fine print. To us she was the mother of Jamaican creativity and a source of the creative energy that saw Jamaican music transform itself at the time of our independence and since then.
We believe Miss Lou to be the single most important Jamaican (outside of our National Heroes) because of her leading and pioneering role in the search for national and cultural identity. Without the work of Miss Lou, there would likely not have been a Bob Marley or a JCDC or a Sean Paul. She it was who fought the battle for the national and international acceptance of the Jamaican language and suffered mightily for her stance so that the deejays of today can have pride in their own language.
She held up the wonderful tapestry of our heritage for closer and more serious examination, and said to us "We are more than just Jamaican, but being a Jamaican can also mean much more than it does at present." The amazing thing is that she lived to see her legacy in action. She lived to see Bob Marley conquer the musical world. She lived to humbly accept the acclaim of her country, Government and citizens and the love and adulation of people as diverse as Tony Rebel, Shaggy, an entire generation of the Jamaican film and theatre industry, Caribbean and international academics (especially
literary and social academics),
community and child activists and workers at every level.
As a Jamaican poet she was unique. As a performer she was peerless, and as a cultural researcher and educator she was tireless, innovative and pioneering. She was our queen of folklore, in the spoken and sung word, and her unmatched ability to summarise what was unique and humorous about Jamaica made us love her instinctively.
And in the end, that is how we remember Miss Lou, as 'Our Most Dearly Beloved'.
I am, etc.,
FRANKIE CAMPBELL, OD
Founding Member,
Bassist and Manager
The Editor, Sir:
I cannot think of one reason why this nation should not make Miss Lou National Heroine. Can you or anyone else?
I am, etc.,
HARVEY G. WILLIS
valspaja@infochan.com
The Editor, Sir:
To my dear friends and Jamaican family, I learned to know and love 'Miss Lou' because I have a Jamaican friend (Gavin Vaughn Bailey) who would read her writing to me to help me better understand Jamaican culture. Specifically, I learned to respect this wonderful woman who loved her country, her culture and her people, and yet who understood the need to be able to integrate into society at large.
Two words came into mind when I read Miss Lou is gone ... 'OH NO!' She is still greatly loved. Miss Lou leaves a great legacy and she will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Miss Lou. This year you celebrate your genuine Independence and Emancipation Day.
I am, etc.,
DOROTHY BAILEY
blidorot@aol.com
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Via Go-Jamaica
The Editor, Sir:
I join with the entire Jamaica to mourn the passing of the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley. She will never be forgotten here.
Maybe the Government of Jamaica should negotiate with her family and, with their permission, repatriate the body of her dearly beloved husband, Eric Coverley, and bring 'Miss Lou' home to us here where they both belong. Rest in peace.
I am, etc.,
SHEILA BRYAN
sheilabryan@cwjamaica.com
Kingston 19
The Editor, Sir:
I take this opportunity to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late
Dr. the Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverley. Indeed, she was a highly respected and
exemplary icon locally and
internationally.
This is merely a brief understatement, for want of a better expression. Jamaica has lost someone who has taken us to heights and levels we would have never imagined we could have gone. Her memorable contributions to our folklore shall always be a part of our memories.
I am, etc.,
PATRICIA WINT
dimples2_3@yahoo.com
Montgomery Street
Brooklyn, New York
Via Go-Jamaica
The Editor, Sir:
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Miss Lou. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and to all Jamaicans. May her soul rest in peace.
I am, etc.,
Craig Harrison
craigharrisontrader@hotmail.com
Toronto Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
