LIBRARY AND INFORMATION ASSOCIATION OF JAMAICA (LIAJA)

     Tribute to Ms Clarke

Dear Fay

Thanks for the information. When I heard the news on Sunday I was 

shocked. Her passing is a great loss to the profession and to the 

Association. I remember her term as president of LIAJA, then JLA. I 

also remember her leadership of Planning Committees for various Conferences.

I remember her resourcefulness and her non-confrontational but no 

nonsense approach when we were forming the Association of Librarians in 

the Jamaica Library Service (ALJALS). 

I remember her willingness to share ideas whenever I sought her opinion 

especially when I was involved in the formation and leadership of the 

University of Technology Administrative and Support Staff Association 

(UTASSA).

I remember her concern for young people and her readiness to help and 

to guide them. Some of her younger staff members came to join our staff 

at UTech and dialogue with her, assisted us to develop excellent 

working relationships with them as well as to guide and encourage them 

in  their career development. I remember her pain when a young man whom we 

were trying to help did not respond positively, in spite of our 

encouragement and her nurturing.

I remember her great sense of family. Her nephews were particularly 

dear to her. Whenever we met or spoke on the telephone, She never 

failed to enquire about my family.

I also remember her dry, keen sense of humour. She saw the funny side 

of any situation and could keep one in stitches by her witty remarks.

I will truly miss her. However, we can be consoled by St. Paul's letter 

to the Thessalonians 4:13-14 "We want you to be quite certain, brothers 

about those who have fallen asleep, to make sure that you do not grieve 

for them, as others do who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and 

rose again, and that in the same way God will bring with him those who 

have fallen asleep in Jesus  

May she rest well with her Saviour.

Blessings

Hermine