Krista Henry and Kandre MacDonald, Staff Reporters

The Honourable Louise 'Miss Lou' Bennett-Coverley. - File photo

A woman who gave all of herself to her language, heritage and culture, Louise Bennett-Coverley, deserves to be remembered and honoured in this holiday season, Jamaica's first without her.

Miss Lou passed away earlier this year, on July 26, at the age of 86. Her death marked the end of an era for our treasured daughter, known as the 'First Lady of Comedy' and a national icon. Miss Lou's multifaceted talent found creative expression in her poetry, lyrical compositions, stagecraft and work in the media, in Jamaica and elsewhere. On stage, she was a regular performer in the National Pantomime, among several other theatrical productions.

Many a child, and an adult of the 1960s would have fond memories of her 'Auntie Roachie' radio programme, through which she dispensed advice on a number of topical issues. So, too, will those who took part in or watched 'Ring Ding', a long-running television programme for children. Miss Lou's accomplishments were many, including, in the words of the Hon. Rex Nettleford, the 'smadditisation' of the Jamaican dialect.

As her physical presence has been removed from us, the nation can nevertheless rest assured that the legacy she has left will continue to exert a positive influence on Jamaicans.

Fond memories

This Christmas, Miss Lou still brings fond memories to those who were graced with her presence. The Sunday Gleaner talked with persons who knew Miss Lou to hear how they believe she should be remembered this Christmas.

Comedian, Owen 'Blakka' Ellis, remembers Miss Lou best in terms of how caring she was towards children. "She should be remembered as somebody who was very good with children and also good to children. She had a special place in her heart for children. She should also be remembered as a special child given to us by God," he said. He explained that Miss Lou was someone who could constantly mix laughter and love with substance and seriousness.

For Lenford Salmon, friend of Miss Lou, and administrative director of Jambiz International, Miss Lou is remembered in theatre every time a play is put on. "We remember her by continuing to enjoy an important part of her legacy, which is theatre. Every time we go into rehearsals we remember her in a fond way. She laid the foundations of acceptance to the audience. Any greater honour we could pay to her, but say we enjoy the fruits of her labour," he said.

For comedian Oliver Samuels, memories of Miss Lou are bittersweet. While he cares about her and her contribution, he believes that not enough had been done to commemorate her legacy. "I think that the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre should be reinvented and modernised. The one they have there now is foolishness. It needs to be transformed into a modern, multi-faceted theatre with a library, so that people can read up on her works, especially since her works are well known worldwide. There should also be a monument erected in her honour, because she was such a great performer and one of the biggest ambassadors Jamaica has ever had," Samuels said.