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The Jamaican cultural landscape has lost a true gem with the passing of Patricia ‘Pat’ Reid, former board commissioner of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
Reid passed away on Saturday following a brief illness.
For Khamara Wright, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2019, Reid was not just a chaperone, she was an unwavering source of support. Wright first met Reid after being crowned when she was officially introduced as her national chaperone.
“She was a gem! She was very decorum-oriented. I may have been the queen, but she modelled it for me. She ensured my crown was straight, that I looked presentable, and carried myself with poise,” Wright recalled.
Wright said Reid’s contribution went beyond aesthetics, describing her as a mentor who encouraged her to get out of her comfort zone, socialise, and completely embrace her work. She said Reid continued to send her encouraging notes even after her reign ended, the last of which was a sincere Christmas greeting.
“When I saw the news of her passing, I thought, ‘Wow, that’s the last message I’ll ever get from her.’ It’s disheartening, but it reminds me of who she was – a person who always lifted others up.”
Wright said Reid was a woman who exuded regal confidence through her demeanour, posture, and steadfast support.
“She always reminded me that whether or not I had the crown on my head, I was a queen, and I should always show up as such,” Wright told The Gleaner.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Reid, describing the late public servant as a “cultural ambassador”.
Grange extended condolences in a release on Monday on behalf of the JCDC, an agency of her ministry, speaking of Reid’s tremendous impact on the Festival Queen Competition.
“To know Pat was to love her – she gave of herself so willingly and faithfully. The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition benefited tremendously from her dedication, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy of queens who will continue to hold their heads high and walk with grace, just as she taught them.”
She also highlighted Reid’s invaluable service to the nation, noting that she carried out her duties with distinction and passion.
“Pat served the JCDC with unwavering commitment, consistently advocating for the advancement of Jamaica’s cultural programmes. Her leadership and contributions have left an indelible mark on the organisation. She truly embodied the spirit of Jamaican culture and elegance… we have lost a remarkable cultural ambassador.”
Mexine Bisasor-Bryan, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, JCDC, also echoed similar sentiments, noting that Reid’s contribution to the advancement of the commission’s mandate will never be forgotten.
“Pat was a gentle giant – her presence was both strong and kind, and her impact on our work and the lives she touched will continue to inspire for many years to come,” she said.
Lenford Salmon, executive director of the JCDC, called Reid a “dear friend” and “devoted colleague”.
“We will miss her terribly. Pat was one of a kind. It is rare to meet someone who gives of themselves so wholeheartedly, and faithfully. She genuinely wanted to see a difference in the lives of others and in her country. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, and we mourn the loss of a dear friend and a devoted colleague. She will be best remembered for her role as the devoted mentor, poise and etiquette trainer, and chaperone for the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition, playing a pivotal role in shaping and mentoring numerous young women across the island.”
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