Prime Minister Mia Mottley pays tribute to Andrea Gollop. Below is the full text of her statement.
Today I learnt with sadness of the passing of a Barbadian, who for generations, symbolised all things authentically Bajan in the performing arts, especially theatre.
I knew Andrea all my life as she was a close family friend. Our bond was strengthened during my tenure as Minister of Culture when we worked together for 7 years. Her passion for Barbadian theatre was matched by only a few. Her unique Bajan sense of humour lit up many a stage and proved a natural fit for the writings of the acclaimed broadcaster and writer, the late Jeanette Layne-Clarke.
In fact, in 2005 Jeanette’s well-loved newspaper character ‘Lick Mout Lou’ was brought to life on CBC TV8 through the inimitable dramatic stylings of Andrea. She was also a central part of the “cantankerous” Bajan trio of characters played by Marvo Manning, Alfred Pragnell and herself as the well-known voices of Gwennie, Hushfield and Dora in “Dumplings in De Stew” on Rediffusion.
Lucy Andrea Adelle Gollop-Greenidge was honored by Queen Elizabeth with an OBE in 2010, for her services to the performing arts in Barbados. I can attest that Andrea’s service was indeed committed and tireless.
On behalf of the people of Barbados and on behalf of my family, I say thank you to Andrea Gollop for her devotion to theatre and to Barbados. We thank her for the many hours of joy she brought to so many with her performances and for her wonderful wit. She has left an indelible mark on our national stage.
I extend deepest condolences to her husband, Michael and to the Gollop family.
