Grange saddened at passing of playwright Aston Cooke

Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange has expressed shock and sadness at the passing of playwright and cultural practitioner Aston Cooke.

Cooke died today.

“The news of Aston’s passing on this Jamaica Day is a blow for us all,” Grange said in a statement today. 

“But Aston would be proud of the glorious display and embrace of Jamaican culture in our schools and communities. Our culture was his life. He displayed a level of commitment to his culture that must be emulated and admired.

“In the midst of our cultural celebrations today, we say farewell to a gentleman who has left us a proud legacy that echoes the makings of a cultural icon.  We are sure the spirit and legacy of Aston Cooke will live on,” she added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Mexine Bissasor has also expressed sadness at Cooke’s death.

“Many giants go about their lives quietly whilst others can be heard shouting from their lofty heights as they journey through life’s ups and downs.  Aston Cooke was a quiet giant who contributed to Jamaica’s culture and specifically, theatre, without fuss or clamour.  He did what he felt was his duty to country and culture regardless of any hindrances,” Bissasor.

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