ROSE HALL, St James — Sounds of hearty laughter rang out in the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Wednesday as those gathered honoured the life and memory of renowned businessman Robert “Ducksie” Russell. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who was among those who spoke glowingly of Russell’s accomplishments, promised to take another look at making one of Russell’s dreams a reality.

“I know that part of his enduring hope was that the Government would develop a permanent place for festivals and concerts in this part of the island. And so, in making my tribute today, I would like to say to the family and to everyone gathered here that this is something that the Government is seriously considering,” Holness said.

The prime minister explained that the project was something both men had been discussing for some time.

“I know that he would have been a bit disappointed that it didn’t happen in his lifetime, but I did assure him, in our conversations, that we see the necessity of it, the benefits of it,” said Holness.

He spoke of Russell’s breadth of influence and work on Government policy as he lauded him for his contribution to a number of fields.

“The Government of Jamaica is very proud of his accomplishments and his achievements. We acknowledge and recognise his contribution to building Brand Jamaica, particularly in entertainment and tourism,” Holness said.

Russell died on December 11, 2024 after ailing for some time. He was 76.

“As you can tell by the memories and the laughter, not just the pain, but by the memories and happiness at this farewell service, that his was a life well-lived, to be celebrated,” Holness stressed.

Russell’s son Robin, who is president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, regaled the gathering with tales that captured his father’s zest for life, even when he was ill. He said a mere month before his father died, he left the hospital for a meeting with the prime minister, ate and had a good time, then returned to the hospital.

“We get back to hospital and he waltz in and said, ‘I’m in room 16’. They said, ‘No you’re not, there’s somebody in room 16!’ And he said, ‘No, it’s me’,” Robin said to raucous laughter.

He said this led to a meeting with a therapist who came to the conclusion that his father was enjoying his life. It was a view also shared by a psychiatrist the family turned to for advice because his father refused to give up his favourite foods and would leave his sick bed to attend meetings.

“The psychiatrist says, ‘Yes, alright, sounds like he is living the life but you guys seem to have a problem. If you want, you can call me’,” he said to even more laughter.

There were similar reactions when Russell’s business partner and long-time friend, Johnny Gourzong, shared a story about losing a bet that, by running, Russell could get to his house faster than Gourzong could drive.

“I thought this was a ridiculous statement and quickly sealed a substantial bet with Mr Ducksie. I didn’t know him to be an athlete of any kind, so I assumed it was a sure win for me,” he said.

“Alas, he quickly cleared the Parkway supermarket parking lot looking like a marathon runner, then the gas station and Scotchies, at which point I did a double take and tried to reduce the bet as his form was looking ominous,” said Gourzong.

“When he got past the bus stop near the police station I tried to ease him off the road with my car but he sidestepped me like Messi and continued on his way,” he said, to laughter.

“My last chance rested with some mongrel dogs by Ducksie’s neighbour but I think the sight of Mr Russell running after midnight would have served to frighten them. Ducksie jogged all the way to his door, opened it and waved me goodbye,” he said.

Long-time friend, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz also took to the podium to share his memories of shared business ventures, some of which were not so successful but which drew them closer over the years.

Former prime minister Bruce Golding also paid tribute and promised to honour Russell’s widow Beverly’s request that he keep in touch with her.

“You have my word because if I were to ever do that, Robert would pop in to see me,” he said to her as the crowd chuckled.

There were also tributes from former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Constitutional Reform and Legal Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte, among others.

Russell was born in Kingston but later made Montego Bay his home.

He operated Jamaica’s first all-inclusive hotel in Portland, dabbled in film-making, and owned radio station
Hot102 for a while.

He made significant contributions to the entertainment scene in western Jamaica with his partnerships in Reggae Sumfest and the Jazz and Blues Festival. He also founded Pier One, an open-air eatery and entertainment venue.

In addition to his wife Beverly, he is survived by five children, grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.