Ambassador Madge Barrett to be laid to rest on December 16
Published:Saturday | November 23, 2024 | 4:30 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
The funeral for retired Ambassador Madge Barrett, often referred to as ‘Miss Protocol’, has been set for December 16.
The service of thanksgiving will be held at the University Chapel, Mona, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Barrett died at home on November 16, which also happened to be her 87th birthday.
According to her adopted daughter, Bridget Barrett-Levy, following the funeral, interment will take place in the family plot at St Joseph the Grove Church, Gordon Town, St Andrew.
The Gleaner understands that the family has received condolence messages from former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson; Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade; Opposition Leader Mark Golding; Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness; Minister of Gender Affairs and Sports, Olivia Grange; Senator Peter Bunting; and former Foreign Affairs Minister K.D. Knight, among others.
Condolence messages have also been received from several heads of overseas missions.
Speaking with The Gleaner, Betty Barrett-Thompson said her stepmother was a stickler for perfection who was always well dressed, even at home.
Barrett, who had no biological children, adopted Bridget, one of her late husband’s children, and was stepmother to the other six children.
“She was always impeccable. She loved to dance and to have her glass of red wine,” said Barrett-Thompson.
“We all have our own peculiarities, and she adapted to our unique ways,” said Barrett-Thompson.
Famous for her immaculate dressing and red lipstick, Barrett served as chief of protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until her retirement.
Previously, she served as consul general to Miami before moving into protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eventually rising to the post of chief of protocol.
During her tenure, Barrett oversaw the protocol arrangements for several members of the British royal family who visited Jamaica, as well as other heads of state.
Barrett was described as the mother to members of staff at the foreign affairs ministry and helped a number of newly appointed ministers of foreign affairs navigate the proper protocol requirements.
The second of nine children, she married Arthur ‘Tunty’ Barrett (who predeceased her) in 1967.