KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller has paid tribute to noted Jamaican writer, journalist and theatre personality Louis Marriott, who died on Emancipation Day, August 1.

In a statement Tuesday, the Opposition leader pointed out that there were many interesting aspects to Marriott’s life.

He 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 (API) — the forerunner to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

Marriott also served as a Government public relations officer in the late 1950s.

“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; writing and broadcasting, among many other talents and interests,” Simpson Miller said.

She added that he was instrumental in the development of Jamaican culture, both at home and overseas. He also devoted much of his life to ensuring that the Jamaican people have access to public information, especially about Government policies and programmes.

“His involvement with the national literacy programme, the API, the progressive publication – Public Opinion, the information products of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Jamaica Festival, all demonstrated his strong belief in the liberating role that information can play in the social, cultural, political, and economic development of people,” she said.

Simpson Miller said that as an executive officer of the Michael Manley Foundation, Marriott also gave invaluable service to preserving the legacy and memory of former Prime Minister Manley.

The Opposition Leader also expressed sincere condolences to Marriott’s family and friends.