(Kingston, Jamaica): The Board of Commissioners and staff of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission are expressing deep regret at the passing of one of Jamaica’s foremost players in the creative industries, Lecturer, Producer, Actor, Broadcaster and all-round entertainment specialist Robert “Bobby” Clarke.

Clarke passed away recently at his Kingston home, following a battle with cancer.

Director of Arts Development and Training at the JCDC, Andrew Brodber said:

“The JCDC regrets the passing of Robert “Bobby” Clarke, one of its most erudite adjudicators in the Drama and Speech competitions, who served the Commission for 36 years. He was also a trainer and mentor to thousands of performers, which made him one of the most loved, respected and sought after resource persons. He also served as a producer for the JCDC and we join in solemnity with his family and friends and the wider creative arts community at this time of grieving.”

Clarke was a past student of St. Mary High School, Calabar High School, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Rhinebeck, New York.

Clarke, who was born in St. Mary, rubbed shoulders with the best in the business while working at Irie FM, The Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, The Little Theatre Movement and The Sandals Group among other entities.

The JCDC is extremely grateful for his contribution to the agency and the development of Jamaica’s creative industry.