The founding father of the Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant, Marcia Elaine ‘Mer’ Rigg-Baker, has died.
In accordance with a press release on Tuesday, Rigg-Baker handed away on Monday, January 15, following a interval of ailing well being. She was 73 years previous.
“Rigg-Baker was born in Inexperienced Island, Hanover, and was a graduate of Rusea’s Excessive College. She was employed by the Nationwide Insurance coverage Scheme (NIS) after which at Barclays Financial institution in Hanover and Kingston earlier than migrating to america in July 1980,” the assertion learn.
Highlighting that Rigg-Baker leaves behind an enduring legacy, the assertion shared that the Jamaican native created the Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant out of a have to empower younger ladies whereas “offering an area for creativity, constructing self-confidence, and nurturing enterprise acumen.”
The South Florida pageant has been operating for nearly 4 a long time.
Rigg-Baker additionally based the non-profit charitable group, Partners for Youth Foundation, along with her late husband, Anthony.
“Affectionately referred to as Ms. Marcia, her profound dedication remodeled younger women, particularly first and second-generation Jamaican-American, into empowered ladies of tomorrow. Ms. Marcia created a sanctuary the place the significance of cultural origins was acknowledged and celebrated, proudly embracing her id as a Jamaican,” the discharge mentioned.
The Bakers have been among the many Vanguards honored by the Jamaican Consulate Normal in Miami, throughout the celebrations of the fiftieth Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence within the Southern USA Diaspora group.
Contributions to alma mater
In accordance with the information assertion, Rigg-Baker was additionally the co-founder of the South Florida chapter of the Rusea’s Outdated Pupil’s Affiliation (ROSA), a non-profit affiliation devoted to advancing the academic aims of the college.
“ROSA is devoted to advancing the academic aims of their alma mater. Based in 1777, Rusea’s Excessive has produced lots of Jamaica’s high leaders in quite a few walks of life and disciplines in its 240 years existence,” the discharge famous.
Rigg-Baker is survived by her daughters, Andrean and Racquel (Dian), granddaughters Chelsea and Taylor, sisters Joan Tavares, Gean Atherton, Colleen Dacosta, Sharon Vickers, brothers Dennis, Trevor, Carl, Michael, Collin, and a number of different kinfolk and mates.
Her funeral service will likely be held on Saturday, January 27, at Genesis Christian Church in Margate, Florida.
