The Jamaican Language Unit and the Department of Language, Linguistics and Philosophy at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus wish to express their deep regret at the passing of the Honourable, Louise Bennett Coverley. Miss Lou has been a special friend of the Jamaican Language Unit and in 2003 on her official visit to the University agreed to sponsor “The Jamaican Language Primary Schools Literary Competition.”
The Jamaican Language Unit was set up with the specific mandate to advance the rights of speakers and users of the Jamaican language in all areas and aspects of society. Against this background, the Unit proposes to seek a Professorial Chair in the Jamaican Language in honour of Miss Lou and her pioneering work in gaining recognition for the Jamaican Language. The owner of the Louise Bennett Chair would have the task of directing the work of and leading the research in the Jamaican language history and structure as well as its promotion in all domains of society including education and public communication.