Louis Marriott dies

Actor, broadcaster, director, writer, and historian Louis Marriott passed away on Monday at age 81.

Marriott had been ailing for some time and was recently hospitalised for the second time in weeks with pneumonia. He died following complications.

In paying tribute, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange described Marriott as a multitalented and creative man who had contributed much to Jamaica's culture.

"Louis was one of the last great bands of local theatre practitioners, including the late Trevor Rhone, Charles Hyatt and Lloyd Reckord, to have left us in recent times. It was heartbreaking to receive news of his passing on Emancipation Day," Grange said.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller said Marriott worked as press secretary to former Prime Minister Michael Manley in the 1970s and as director of publications and advertising with the Agency for Public Information, the forerunner to the Jamaica Information Service.

"Louis Marriott will be remembered as a Jamaican patriot and a consummate creative professional who served his country selflessly through his dedication to his creative passions, including the arts and theatre, in particular," Simpson Miller said.

PROMINENT PLAYWRIGHT

Born May 22, 1935, Marriott was one of Jamaica's most prominent playwrights and historians. He wrote and produced several radio and television plays and documentary broadcast programmes and films, as well as wrote and directed several plays, among them Pack of Jokers, Playboy and Bedward. Many of his radio programmes have been broadcast throughout the English-speaking world.

Marriott also lectured in Britain on Commonwealth and Caribbean affairs, and served as press secretary to the late Prime Minister Michael Manley, as well as in several other key roles.

He was also the executive officer of the Michael Manley Foundation, and member of the Performing Right Society, Jamaica Federation of Musicians, and founding member of the Jamaica Association of Dramatic Artists.

Marriott leaves behind widow Erica; daughters Lavinia and Karen; family and friends.

Tributes from around the world continue to pour in for Marriott.