Rex Nettleford is dead

PROFESSOR Rex Nettleford, one of Jamaica’s brightest sons and cultural icon, died in an American hospital tonight, six days after he collpsed in his hotel room in Washington and a day before his 77th birthday.

Nettleford, who reportedly suffered a massive heart attack and was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit, never regained consciousness and finally passed at 8:00 pm.

He was in the US capital to participate in a fundraising gala for the University of the West Indies, where he was vice-chancellor emeritus.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who is in China on an official visit, expressed deep regret at Nettleford’s passing.

“I am deeply saddened at the news, just received, of the passing of Professor Rex Nettleford,” Golding said. “Jamaica and the entire world have lost an intellectual and creative genius, a man whose contribution to shaping and projecting the cultural landscape of the entire Caribbean region is unquestionable.”

Added the prime minister: “Rex Nettleford was an international icon, a quintessential Caribbean man, the professor, writer, dancer, manager, orator, critic, and mentor. He has left a void in our world that will be a challenge to fill.”