PM Hails Dr. Joyce Robinson as a Strong, Determined Woman

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Dr. the Hon. Joyce Robinson, who died on Sunday, May 12.

In paying tribute, the Prime Minister said that in the many different areas in which she served, Dr. Joyce Robinson was a pioneering, truly outstanding and highly accomplished Jamaican woman who dedicated her life to public service.

As the first Jamaican to head the National Library Service, Dr. Robinson played an invaluable role in the vibrant development of the Service between 1957 and 1979.

She again proved her enormous capacity for public service by managing the operations at the H.E.A.R.T Trust during its formative years, and also steered the success of the national literacy campaign in the 1970s which saw over 200,000 Jamaicans learning to read and write. As a result of the programme, she was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) with an international literacy prize. In 1987, the Government of Jamaica also recognised her with the Order of Jamaica for outstanding public service.

The Prime Minister said Dr Robinson’s life and enormous accomplishments represent the true spirit of a strong and determined Jamaican woman, who loved and served her country with pride and distinction.

Expressing her sympathies, the Prime Minister said: “On behalf of all Jamaicans, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dr Robinson’s daughter, son and other family members and pray they will find peace and be comforted by the Almighty during this very difficult period.”

Contact: OPM Communications Unit
Tel: 926-0244 Fax: 920-4684
Email: opm.news@opm.gov.jm
Website: www.opm.gov.jm