The Editor, Sir:

I was shocked to hear of the passing of my former colleague Cherice Brown. I worked with Cherice for several years during my tenure at The Gleaner.

While several tributes declared that she was a hard worker and committed to journalism, she was more than that. She was determined to put her best foot forward at all cost, was a de facto mentor to many, never fearing to pass on information, always willing to get involved.

Cherice served under STAR editors, such as Joe Gregory, Jack Anderson and Barbara Gloudon, with loyalty, commitment, professionalism and respect.

I recall, years later, when Cherice started to write entertainment stories. Her exuberance was such that she would give all the details from the doors were opened, up to the very last artiste's song; and while many sneered at the length of her story, calling them "wagga wagga", she never gave up. I would give her pointers on how to make those stories shorter and more succinct, but she would only chuckle, taking the criticism in good spirits, saying she would try the next time. As far as Cherice was concerned, she wanted to be sure that the reader didn't miss out on anything at the event. She never excused herself from an assignment.

As a subeditor, Cherice would always take the initiative, opening mail, following up on assignments, checking other papers for possible story leads, calling the police for the latest crime stories, and getting material ready for the next publication.

She was so enthused when the STAR carried stories that no other publication had carried.

Cherice Brown was a staple at the STAR desk in particular, and The Gleaner in general.

She was a good worker.

I am, etc.,

Lolita Long

lolita.long@novartis.com

Hanover, NJ

Via Go-Jamaica