Olivia Grange | Walk good, Dorraine

It has been well said that the real measurement of one’s presence is the space one’s absence creates. The air is now full of the absence of our dear Dorraine Samuels. On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, I pay tribute to this exemplar of women in public life. Dorraine represented that special quality of the true Jamaican woman who inserts herself into the lives of others in such a profound and sincere way that we all came to see her as family. Her passing has left a large void in Jamaican broadcasting. She was a professional who saw within the field of broadcasting an opportunity to connect with the Jamaican people and represent, as such, the best that we can be.

RJR radio promos described her as ‘vivacious’, and that she was. Dorraine was a model of charm, grace, wit and energy that will always be remembered as the hallmark of her personality and identity. I found that she had a particular understanding of the Jamaican culture and ethos. I believe that for her, every morning was an opportunity lent to her by God to insert herself into the hearts of the Jamaican people, wherever they were, waking them up and sending them on their way with commentaries, witty remarks and anecdotes that would allow them to face the new day with confidence, joy and determination.

Whether through the memorable interactions with her co-host for many years, Alan Magnus, or when she invited us to ‘Coffee Break’, Dorraine succeeded in promoting the kind of positive energy that would effortlessly create laughter in happy times and appropriate meditation in times of grief or trouble. And we depended on her for our news on radio and television, and she helped us to understand developments in our world.

I offer sincere condolences to her family in this moment of grief. Her most treasured role was taking care of you. We thank you for sharing her with us. It is my hope that you will be comforted by the tremendous outpouring of love and respect that has been the response to her passing. Dorraine demonstrated the best of the Jamaican woman, exuding confidence and sincerity of purpose on every occasion, passionate about her vocation, determined to create a legacy like fine wine that leaves a wonderful fragrance within our relationships with each other. May she rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon her. Walk good, Dorraine. We will always remember.

- Olivia Grange is ​Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport