In 1973 I joined the staff of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) and was assigned as a secretary to Leonie Forbes. But there was a problem — she did all her typing and did not need a secretary. We became good friends and we were literally BFFs until her recent death. It was unusual for two days to pass and we did not speak.

Leonie exposed me to many things. I was involved with many of her radio dramas and was the person behind the scenes for her very successful poetry programme Especially for You which used to be broadcast on JBC FM. People used to send in poetry from all over Jamaica and she would read them on air, with the class, style and mastery that were her trademark.

Famous Dub Poet Oku Onoura was in prison at the time and she read many of his poems on the programme, and in fact she was instrumental in agitating for his release from prison.

She was the consummate professional and one of the most disciplined persons I have ever met. She was always attentive to detail and when she was rehearsing for a play, she was usually the first to learn her lines and ditch the script.

I travelled with her to Cayman when she adjudicated theatre festivals, and people were always amazed at how humble and down to earth she was.

Lee was also an extremely talented crochet artist and has crocheted altar cloths for many of the prominent churches in Jamaica, in addition to crocheting exquisite wedding dresses, hats, bathing suits, blouses, dresses and shoes. This is how she relaxed in-between rehearsals and engagements.

As a friend she was loyal, genuine, with a really good heart and always demonstrated kindness in thought, word and deed. I am thinking and I can’t recall Leonie saying a bad word about anyone, even people who did her wrong. My life is blessed for having Leonie as a friend and she will live forever in my heart.