A tribute to Hazel Campbell

Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Ltd is paying tribute to and honouring the life of Hazel Campbell.

Campbell was a member of the Carlong family since 2001 when she was appointed editor of Carlong's Sand Pebbles Pleasure series of children's books, a communique sent out by the publishing company says.

"An expert in the fields of education, communication and children's literature, she lent her expertise as series editor to the preparation and publication of this series of authentic, Jamaican and Caribbean children's stories but also authored three of the titles," the communique said.

These are Miss Bettina's House, Bernie and the Captain's Ghost, and Ash the Flash.

Campbell had an in-depth understanding of children and demonstrated giftedness in crafting material that engaged their attention in literature. Those assets were clear in the many stories she produced and the help that she gave to fledgling writers. The latter is an important aspect of her contribution to Caribbean literature.

She believed in nurturing other writers and was often consulted for her personal advice on writing, generally. She was an enthralling presenter of excerpts from the stories in the Sand Pebbles Pleasure Series and had many young audiences captivated as she vividly presented realistic situations extracted from the texts.

For decades, she remained integral in the production of both children and adult writing for the Caribbean, copping several literary awards for work done with Carlong and other publishers. The crowning moment was her being awarded the Silver Musgrave Medal for her contribution to Caribbean literature.

Hazel Campbell's passing leaves a void to the area of Caribbean children's literature, but her invaluable contribution will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all those who will continue to benefit from her work. She understood the craft and has left a lasting legacy. She will be sadly missed for her personality as well as for her contribution.

"Carlong wishes to express sincere condolences to Hazel's family," the communique said. "Walk good, Hazel!"