Barbados has lost one of its most prolific literary and cultural icons in Jeanette Layne-Clark, who died February 16th, 2009.

The British-trained journalist, broadcaster and novelist, thrilled Barbadians over the last 40 years with a string of short stories, books, plays for stage and radio and witty newspaper columns.

She lost a four-year battle with cancer and was cremated February 19th, after a funeral service that included a live depiction by two local actors of one of Layne-Clark's funniest skits, aptly titled "Death Duties".

At the funeral service, attended by hundreds of fellow journalists, colleagues, friends and family, Harold Hoyte, Editor Emeritus of Barbados leading newspaper, the Nation, eulogised Mrs. Layne-Clark as a "talent powerhouse". He said she would "never be replaced by a single individual, because she was more than singly prolific."

Hoyte described Mrs. Layne-Clark as "one rare person who shared her creative interest with a love of people."

 "It was a special rapport with which not many of us are blessed…a gift to Barbados greatly enriching our appreciation of the Bajan lifestyle.

"Our legacy from her is a rich crown of Bajan artistic gems. Her insistence on excellence has left us with examples of the highest standards in journalism and broadcasting."

Jeanette Layne-Clark's work included the highly acclaimed stage plays "Pampalam", "Dumplings in the Stew" and "Partners in Profit", the book "Bajan Badinage" and weekly newspaper columns "Private Line" and "Lickmout Lou".

Jeanette Layne-Clark left one son, Brent and a sister, Pauline.

Additional Information:
February 27th, 2009