WYCLIFFE BENNETT, a giant in the field of arts and culture in Jamaica and noted director, trainer and producer in theatre, radio, film and television, died yesterday at the age of 87.

Last night, Prime Minister Bruce Golding said Bennett had dedicated almost 60 years of his life as an outstanding producer, director and trainer in the theatre, radio and film the industry, always striving for excellence in every area of the arts.

Vice-chancellor emeritus at the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford, described the veteran broadcaster's death as a great loss to Jamaica.

Great institution builder

"He has seen a good deal of what he defended, projected and advocated come to pass. He is a great institution builder," Nettleford said.

Calling Bennett a visionary, Keith Amiel, deputy chairman of the Little Theatre Movement, said the country had lost one of the pillars on which "we built the theatre over the last several years".

Byron Buckley, president of the Press Association of Jamaica, noted that Bennett mentored generations of media practitioners, many of whom are still honing their craft today.

Former employee of the now-defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) and current chairman of the Broadcasting Commission, Dr Hopeton Dunn said he was "saddened by the passing of a wonderful Jamaican as well as a great broadcaster, cultural icon, scholar and outstanding television producer-director".

Bennett was a former chairman of the Ward Theatre Foundation, and chaired the Creative Production and Training Centre, Jamaica School of Drama and Jamaica School of Music.

He served as general manager at JBC from 1968 to 1971 and from 1976 to 1981.

He also worked as a civil servant with the ministries of Finance, Education, Welfare and Culture, Mining and Natural Resources.

He recently received the Gold Musgrave Medal for distinguished contribution to the development of the arts in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

- Edmond Campbell