Comments on: Walk good, Miss Lou

By: Dean Van Alstyne Johnson, DSP, Jamaica Constabulary Force

Dean Van Alstyne Johnson, DSP, Jamaica Constabulary Force — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 16:16:46 +0000

I had the honour of planning and executing the ceremonial aspects of Miss Lou’s arrival, lying in state and funeral at the Norman Manley International Airport, the National Arena and the Coke Methodist Church, Kingston Jamaica. As an Officer of the Jamaica Constabulary Force I was most proud of the response by the members of the rank and file and inspectorate who were called upon to perform these duties and who did them willingly and shared that deep sense of the honour these tasks bestowed. It is clear that this sense of honour was the driving force behind the manner that they faced each challenge that the duties imposed. Standing perfectly still for collective hours in vigil at Miss Lou’s casket while she lay in state for public viewing; standing in the hot afternoon sun awaiting her arrival at Coke Methodist Church; enduring the heavily pouring rain during her funeral and the flooded conditions at the National Heroes’ Circle; and lifting, lowering and carrying Miss Lou’s more than considerable weight – the heaviest ever at this level and category of national events. Their attitudes to these endeavours can be summed up in these two phrases: “Ah fi Miss Lou, mon!”, and “Mi nah let dung, Miss Lou”. I whole heartedly share these sentiments and continue to remain aware of the institutions of Jamaican excellence that was created by Miss Lou and others like her. An institution that drives Jamaican’s to the top of the world in human achievement at several areas of pursuit such as culture, entertainment, sports, academics, global politics and others. If these institutions are actively maintained, then I see no reason that we, as a nation and diaspora, would not realise the aspirations implicit in these pursuits.

By: Clova

Clova — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 19:09:19 +0000

Miss Lou, you have made me proud of my Jamaican roots and culture, my patois language. So many laughs and happy moments, my memories of you shall live on forever in my heart and mind. I see your picture and your famous signature of “walk good me chile” and my heart fills with gratitude for having known you, for meeting you in person and having felt your arms around me. I shall miss you but walk good me chile until we meet again.

By: kristen

kristen — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 12:01:04 +0000

She now walks the other shore, but during her stay here with us Miss Lou was a woman of substance. But I am happy that she will continue her conversation with Sor Juana Inez, Sappho, and others of her caliber.

By: Nalo Hopkinson

Nalo Hopkinson — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:13:44 +0000

I was saddened to hear of her passing, but rejoiced that she’d led a long and full life, and had meant much to many of us. (And BTW, I’m Jamaican-born — with Trinidadian and Guyanese roots as well.)