KINGSTON, Jamaica — Michael Lorde, the architect and set designer who was finalising designs for this year’s Grand Gala, died yesterday, according to the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

In expressing shock and sadness at the passing, Portfolio Minister Olivia Grange, said Lorde had worked on the Grand Gala designs up to last Saturday and was to meet with the ministry/JCDC team yesterday evening.

She recalled Lorde as a “relatively young man” and an extremely talented architect and set designer who designed most of the sets for the Jamaica Pantomime.

He also had a long history of involvement with the JCDC, the minister said, adding: “He designed the King and Queen costumes for adults and children alike. On one occasion, he singlehandedly designed all the costumes and props for the Grand Gala and in a very short time at that.”

She said Lorde was probably the most sought after set designer in theatre in Jamaica and was the winner of several Actor Boy Awards.