Distinguished pubic relations and communications specialist Marcia Erskine was on Thursday hailed as “an authentic representation of Caribbean spirit and excellence” by Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) President Nicola Madden-Greig.

According to Madden-Greig, Erskine, who passed suddenly at her home in St Andrew Wednesday night, had a significant impact on both Jamaica and the broader Caribbean through her insightful guidance, exceptional talent, and ability to inspire warmth and positivity.

News of Erskine’s passing sent shock waves across the country, especially in the media fraternity where she not only practised as a journalist in previous years, but povided news and access to businesses through her public relations agency, Marcia Erskine and Associates Limited, which she founded in 1992.

“Marcia was a friend to many and a trusted colleague and mentor. She was a remarkable person who generously shared her time and wisdom. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those [who interacted with her] in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, as we have lost an extraordinary woman whose spirit was truly emblematic of our region,” Madden-Greig said in a tribute from the CHTA.

Madden-Greig praised Erskine for her pioneering contributions to the field of communications, noting her role in serving travel and tourism clients and international organisations under the banner of her successful firm.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Erskine served as public relations consultant for the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and provided communications support for a number of corporate entities across the Caribbean including CIBC, British Airways, Delta Airlines, BWIA, and ESPN Caribbean, Mona School of Business, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Half Moon Resort Jamaica, and, most recently, Palladium Hotel Group.

Erskine had a degree in mass communication from The UWI. She began her career as a reporter with the Trinidad Guardian and then Trinidad Express in the 1970s, before joining The Gleaner Company in 1981, serving as editor of the newspaper’s travel publication
The Tourist Guide and as contributor to various areas, including business and finance.

Her long-standing relationship with the tourism sector saw her being actively involved in preparing the JHTA for the upcoming CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace scheduled for Montego Bay this May. She was also a supporter of the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism, which debuted in Jamaica in 2001.

Erskine also held leadership positions as a past president of both the Public Relations Society of Jamaica and the International Association of Business Communicators. She chaired the Women’s Leadership Initiative under the United Way of Jamaica and contributed her expertise as a board member for both the United Way of Jamaica and St Patrick’s Foundation.

In 2014 she was the recipient of the Marcella Martinez award, which honours individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to strengthening the marketing programmes of Caribbean destinations.