The former Prime Minister P J Patterson summarised the sentiments of the mourners best when he spoke inside the University of the West Indies Chapel (UWI), on Saturday. They were there to commemorate the work and life of the deceased public relations expert, Marcia Erskine.
In the many well-deserved and eloquent tributes paid to Erskine in media and on the internet, one word has been repeated repeatedly – Excellence – which is a justifiable response. The search for excellence, the relentless pursuit to achieve the best in everything she did, and her immortal memory, is something we should cherish.
The public relations conglomerate that she built brick by brick, never took on a client solely because they offered monetary compensation. The client had to have a good cause. She had to believe in the cause. [in]Corporate enterprises dedicated to ethical business practice and charitable endeavors. [such as the Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO)]”, he replied.
Patterson remembered Erskine’s ability to overcome any obstacles in every venture he took on with consummate professionalism.
She made me feel like I was the only client. It was a formidable challenge and a resounding piece of advice [from her]When she ends her message with a delightful trini accent, “Everything’s alright”, it’s a good sign. “You can relax,” Patterson replied.
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Her deep affection for the [public relations] Her innate ability to master the required skills and craft helped her firm promote Jamaica and raise its profile on the international hospitality scene. Her understanding of public relations was crucial in creating unique brands. Marcia, we learned, was not a pushover despite the fact that she had a calm and friendly demeanor. Marcia was willing to support and be supportive of her group but was also ready to take on the role of leader when necessary.
Patterson stated that to lead the Public Relations Association of Jamaica (which Marcia was previously the head of in Jamaica) or Women’s Leadership Initiative (of which Marcia served as the head), “required nerves of iron, along with that special mixture of knowledge and expertise”, that she chaired admirably.
The frontal and precise
Sir Hilary Beckles inherited Erskine’s services from his predecessor and attested that Patterson had reflected her as a woman who was not a pushover since the first time they met.
“I knew of her name, but little about her. She was as direct and precise as she was. “Vice-Chancellor, I am afraid that the heads of governments’ decision to request you lead the Regional Reparations Commission will complicate your position as vice-chancellor.” When asked why, she replied, “Because the powers-to be in this area are not ready to make reparations.” This statement was like a huge bomb. “I was at a disadvantage,” he replied.
The player said that his first instinct was to “return to the first base” and that his second base was history.
I replied, “Well, Marcia. The UWI was founded in 1948 to repair the health and well-being of West Indians, as their health at the time was deemed the worst of the British Empire. Marcia, therefore, it is true that we repair things, whether we want to or not. Not only are we here to fix, but also to use the network and intelligence of our people. “We are not just in business to repair and reposition, but also create the context for a dignified tomorrow,” said Sir Hillary.
He continued: “I’m a UWI graduate down to my bones.” The mourners then laughed.
The day before her sudden death, he remembered her latest achievements in America, including her daughter Roshal Marshall’s, and her last WhatsApp to him.
She wrote: “Vice-Chancellor, please see the attached.” “My daughter is making major waves in the USA”. I replied, “I have been reliably informed by a reliable source that sweetest fruits never fall from the trees, but always stay there”. She replied: “Vice-Chancellor, I thank you forever for your kindness.” It is something I’ll always remember. “Bye-bye for the moment,” said he.
In her tribute to her mother, her daughter recalled that her mom always used “the royal we”, during conversations about their shared life, which was a link between the two.
When will we stop having children? When will we return to work? Are we taking our vitamins? Marshall stated that she made her feel as if we all were together in the life thing.
She continued, teary-eyed, to describe how, over the course of her lifetime, her mother had shown her boundless love and support. Her profound advice and guidance were also a part of this. Now, she cannot recall a single thing she would have changed.
She said, “She provided me not only with essentials but also with tools that will help me navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience.”
A heartbreaking tribute
The final tribute written by Sule Marshall (her eight-year old grandson), who called her “Amma” along with his older sister, was deemed the most heartbreaking, touching and moving.
When he learned that around 300 people would gather in the chapel for a memorial service to honor his grandmother, he became emotional and got cold feet. As fate would have had it, Michael Erskine, Marcia Erskine’s attorney, spoke his words.
Michael read to his grandson, “My Amma is the best. Michael began to read the poem for his grandson, before pausing briefly and then continuing: “She always made me feel”,” Michael continued. It was magical every time she came to visit me or my sister.
Michael read Sule’s comments and said: “We had the most fun ever with her.”
Michael continued, “Her hugs make everything alright, even when my mommy or daddy is mad at me. Amma, you are amazing.”
Erskine was a great example of God’s attributes, as stated in 1 John 4, and she embodied this attribute. Sule, as well as all those who attended the funeral, will miss her love, radiated through her smile, and kind words.
Michael requested prayers for Tracia Miller who was Marcia’s secretary for more than 25 year. Tracia became sick after Marcia’s death and had to be hospitalised. She was released only last Wednesday but still made an effort and sacrifice to attend the funeral to pay her respects.
After Reverend Astor Carrlyle’s sermon began, he immediately thought of another term that describes the loss of Erskine. This word is found in St Matthew 8.23-26. He asked mourners to think about it as well.
The text states that Jesus was walking with his disciples across the Sea of Galilee, when suddenly and without warning a fierce storm swept over the water. This word “suddenly” is not my favorite. Carlyle: “I don’t like’suddenly,’ as I am a planner. Marcia died unexpectedly.”
Then he asked how the mourners dealt with life’s’suddenlys.’ He reminded the crowd that the Scriptures tell us not only the disciples went to Jesus, the Savior, and woke him up, but also they relied on the “community”.
The truth is that life has no other choice. “You’re in the middle of a hurricane, or you are coming out from a hurricane. Life is full of sudden events… How do we deal with suddenly’s interrupting, and sometimes imposing nature? A supportive network is needed. The community is strongest when we are weakest. You and I must not forget that no one can handle suddenly being alone. Marcia, a woman of community, would make sure that you and I understood the fact that nobody is an island and no one can stand alone, he added.
Support charity
Marcia was also a strong supporter of charity. This led her to become a COJO director.
Marcia worked for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a client of hers, until just a few hours, days, or even hours, before she passed away on 6 March. She was in charge of the media and public relations coverage of the event, which was hosted by Digital Attacker Client Event.
Marcia was so dedicated to her job that, after she passed away, an email and an advisory for the media were scheduled for 18 March for The UWI & PJ Patterson Institute of Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy Symposium.
Erskine is a journalist who graduated from The Caribbean School of Media and Communication, The UWI Mona. She began her reporting career with The Trinidad Guardian Then, Trinidad Express In the 1970s, I returned to Jamaica before joining The Gleaner Company.