Kingston, 5 November 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement at the passing of Franklyn St Juste.

Minister’s Statement

“It is with great sadness that I learnt today of the passing of Franklyn St Juste, whose contribution to the Jamaican stage, film and television industries has been invaluable.

Chappie, as we all called him, was a master of stage and lighting, an excellent film maker and television producer, and an outstanding teacher.

He has played a major role in the development of lighting, film and television professionals, not only in Jamaica, but across the Caribbean.

This Ministry benefited first hand from Chappie’s technical skills, and critical analysis of issues, especially at the Creative Production and Training Centre where he’s been serving as a member of the Board of Management since 2016.

At the time of his passing, he had been leading a process to repatriate Jamaican films which have been found in databases overseas.

With his passing, we have lost a giant of the creative industries.

I offer condolences to his sons, Brian and Francois; his daughter, Maya; other members of his family; his friends; and colleagues.”

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