Dear Editor,

The passing of Professor Rex Nettleford has been recognised as a signal loss not only by the Jamaican and the rest of the Caribbean Community – for he was a Caribbean man – but to the wider world community where his influence and impact were enormous.

As a Fellow of the Jamaican Institute of Management, Rex Nettleford was part of a company of distinguished Jamaican managers who have earned the title of Fellow. As such he displayed the characteristics associated with that approbation (FJIM).

Cultural icon, brilliant academic scholar, articulate writer and author were a part of the all-round brilliance of the man. But in his post as Vice Chancellor of the far-reaching University of the West Indies, he had to display the important principles of management in a Caribbean context which have always made the position of Vice-Chancellor – the titular operational head of the university – a difficult job. He held that position with poise and dignity, and after retiring continued to serve, being recognised as Vice-Chancellor Emeritus. In spite of the prestigious position, Rex never lost the common touch and was undoubtedly what we would call the people’s man.

I remember well at the 9th World Conference on Cooperative Education held in Jamaica in August 1995, and hosted by the College of Arts Science and Technology, now the University of Technology, Professor Nettleford led the National Dance Theatre Company in a special show for the delegates and their companions. Most of the delegates – distinguished university presidents, vice chancellors, professors and practising academics from around the world – were pleasantly surprised and delighted to see the professor on stage.

His companion Fellows, members and associates of JIM express regret at his passing and send condolences to his family and the many organisations which he represented with charm, poise and dignity. Jamaica has lost a leader of immeasurable stature.

Dr Alfred Sangster

Chairman

Jamaican Institute of Management

47 Hope Road

Kingston 10