MIAMI – A memorial service will be held on Monday January 8 for the late Charles Hyatt, O.D., at Our Lady of Grace Church, 300 Malabar Road Southeast in Palm Bay, Florida starting at 1 p.m.
Charles Hyatt passed away on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) in Palm Bay, Florida, after a period of illness.
Jamaica’s Consul General Ricardo Allicock in a tribute to the comedian, actor and broadcaster said “Jamaicans everywhere owed a depth of gratitude Mr. Hyatt for his outstanding contribution and elevation of our cultural performing arts.”
While Jamaica and its Diaspora continue to mourn the loss of another of Jamaica’s cultural icon, the Consul General continued “we are all the more saddened that he should depart from us just as he inherited the mantle from the late Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, O.M, O.J.,” internationally renowned folklorist who died at the age of 86 last July.
Mr. Hyatt’s career had spanned many years as a cultural ambassador, spreading Jamaica’s culture internationally, as a comedian, actor and entertainer.
Sydney Roberts, Director of Jamaica Awareness Incorporated, a South Florida based cultural organization, remembers him (Charlie) as personally as being kind and thoughtful while he worked with him on several productions as he appeared regularly in the South Florida community. Mr. Roberts referred to him as the “ultimate professional who was always to help to make the best of his performances.”
He was also remembered as a great storyteller and also for his many comedic acts as he appeared to many sold-out performances when he entertained the Jamaican Diaspora and friends in South Florida theatres.
For many years, along with Jamaica’s Fae Ellington, Mr. Hyatt also emceed the annual ReggaeSoca Awards at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, produced by Jamaica’s Winsome Charlton, of Hi-Class Promotions.
Marlon Hill, Jamaica Diaspora Advisory representative for the Southern USA in a tribute to Mr. Hyatt also expressed sorrow at “the loss of another of Jamaica’s cultural treasures. But I am also inspired by his infectious, creative spirit and sense of humor to ensure that our heritage is preserved for generations to share and cherish,” he added.
Consul General Allicock along with Mr. Hill and other community leaders will attend the memorial service next Monday in Palm Bay.
Mr. Hyatt was born in Kingston in February 1931.
He is survived by his wife and four daughters.
