The Jamaican education and cultural communities are today mourning the passing of one of the nation’s cultural and education ambassadors, Dr Maria Smith, who died on Thursday (September 18).

Smith, programme manager at the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO, which falls under the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment, passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies following a period of illness. 

Portfolio minister Olivia Grange, who chairs the commission, hailed Dr Smith, paying homage for her service to the nation, saying, “In her role as programme manager at the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO she played a critical part in guiding the implementation of programmes and projects led by the Commission’s partners and stakeholders across the island. Her work was driven by a deep knowledge, unwavering commitment, and a sense of purpose.”

Dr Smith’s legacy

Among her last projects, Smith was far-advanced in setting up of a hydroponics technology system at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Manchester, where 200 women and a number of young people would be trained to grow vegetables.

The project, aimed at promoting food security and employment among vulnerable groups, was sponsored by the commission through a grant of US$21,000.

“Dr Smith was not content to oversee programmes and projects; she was immersed in them in whichever parish, making it a point of duty to visit often and to remain involved,” Minister Grange remarked, adding, “She was also fearless in expressing her views, always candid, always honest, carrying herself with a quiet grace.”

Dr Smith was also a cultural consultant who had taught at Tivoli Gardens High School and lectured at the University of the West Indies, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and Mico University College.

Moreover, she served as arts coordinator at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

She was also a member of the board of the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB), where she played a crucial role in securing the inscription of the Revival Pilgrimage to Watt Town on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Scholarly contribution

Her scholarship and passion for preserving Jamaica’s traditions were perhaps most clearly expressed in her acclaimed 2018 publication, ‘Revivalism: Representing an Afro-Jamaican Identity‘, which stemmed from her doctoral thesis and remains a vital contribution to the study of Revival and Jamaican identity.

The book examines Revivalism, which is a significant aspect of Jamaica’s cultural and religious landscape. It highlights how Revivalists interpret events and rituals across Jamaica, fostering a sense of identity. It discusses Watt Town as a symbolic homeland where Revivalists from across Jamaica come together, celebrating their Africanness. 

Minister Grange emphasised, “Dr Smith was a devoted cultural consultant, researcher, and educator whose life’s work left its mark on Jamaica’s cultural landscape. Her legacy will provide constant inspiration for those of us committed to safeguarding and celebrating our rich traditions.

“I will miss her not only for her professional contributions but also on a personal level. We shared many great moments.”