‘Miss Protocol’, Ambassador Madge Barrett has died
Published:Monday | November 18, 2024 | 12:10 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
Ambassador Madge Barrett, often referred to as ‘Miss Protocol’, has died.
Barrett passed away peacefully on her 87th birthday last Friday.
According to her stepdaughter, Betty Barrett-Thompson, Barrett was a stickler for perfection who was always well dressed even at home.
“She was always impeccable. She loved to dance and to have her glass of red wine,” said her stepdaughter.
Barrett, who had no children of her own, was stepmother to her late husband’s five children.
“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.
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 has been 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.
Barrett-Thompson said her stepmother’s desire was to have her funeral at the University Chapel and arrangements are being made to honour her request.
“No date for the funeral has as yet been agreed as we are still speaking with the University Chapel,” she told The Gleaner.
In the meantime, The Gleaner understands that the family has received condolence messages from Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Senator Peter Bunting, and former foreign affairs minister KD Knight.
Barrett is survived by her five stepchildren – Betty, Gail, Andrea, Bridgette,and Kimberly.
The first of 12 children, she married the late Arthur ‘Tunty’ Barrett in 1969.