Dear Editor,

I would like to join in sending condolences to Rex Nettleford’s family and friends, following his death on February 2. I cherish and will always remember the two occasions I met him.

The first was at the first public meeting of the Jamaica Daily News Workers Co-operative, where members of staff were launching their bid for ownership of the newspaper in 1982.

Professor Nettleford gave the keynote address and stated, “I don’t know if you workers are naive, or there is something I don’t know about your attempt to own the paper.”

Of course, he was right in his first statement, as we failed in our bid when the Seaga government declined to sell us the paper. Some people thought us a bunch of communists.

Professor Nettleford was insightful enough to know that there was no way the workers would be allowed to own such a powerful media organisation, no matter how attractive our bid was from a business standpoint.

The paper was closed by the government a few weeks later, with the loss of more than 100 jobs.

On the second occasion I met him, Professor Nettleford was giving a lecture in London, and even the English people in the audience were moved by his eloquent use of their native tongue. After the lecture he stopped to take a picture with me, even though there were many distinguished guests waiting to greet him.

Prof Nettleford walked with kings but never lost the common touch. He was a true scholar and gentleman.

Sallam, Rex. Peace be with you.

Thorold Demercado

London, England

demercadot@googlemail.com