Wilbert Marriott-Blake laid to rest

Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter

HUNDREDS OF mourners turned out recently at the Hampton Court Seventh-day Adventist Church, St Thomas, to celebrate the life of businessman Wilbert Marriott-Blake.

He was described as a man who had a strong faith in God, committed to his family and friends, and had a great passion for politics, sports and travel.

Marriott-Blake died on January 2 at the age of 62.

One of Marriott-Blake's son, André, who is a law student, spoke of the great love and support his father had for all his 13 children. He described him as a real role model. Edgar Llewellyn, a very close friend of Marriott-Blake, in giving the eulogy, spoke of his deep commitment to his family and friends. He said his generosity knew no bounds.

He was baptised at Constant Spring Seventh-day Adventist Church, St Andrew, but Llewellyn said Marriott-Blake attended the Riverton Meadows Seventh-day Adventist Church, Spanish Town Road, Kingston, for the simple reason that he felt he could offer greater assistance there.

Llewellyn said Marriott-Blake was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2009, but one could hardly tell that he was suffering from the deadly disease because he hardly, or rarely, complained.

"A man for all seasons, his passion for politics led him to contest the 1976 local government election in the Duckenfield division, St Thomas, where he lost by one vote under reportedly questionable circumstances. Wilbert's good performance, reputation, level of confidence, managerial ability, along with his political savvy, were not lost on the top brass of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)," Llewellyn disclosed.

He was, at different times, the campaign manager for Kingsley Sangster, James Robertson, Pearnel Charles and Laurie Broderick, who were all successful at the polls during the time when he was their manager. In 1989, he was the JLP caretaker for South East St Catherine.

Marriott-Blake was buried at Golden Grove Cemetery, St Thomas, and is survived by his wife Olive, 13 children, grandchildren and other relatives.

barbara.gayle@gleanerjm.com