Jamaican diplomat, advertising exec Arnold Foote has died
/ Our Today
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Advertising executive and former head of the Consular Corps in Jamaica Arnold Foote has died.
Foote, who was also the founder of advertising agency Advertising and Marketing (Jamaica) Ltd (AdMark), died today (December 2) at home in Kingston.
In a statement, his family said his legacy loomed large in diplomatic relations in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, earning him several accolades.
“He earned the respect and adoration of his peers by breaking barriers and maintaining standards of excellence in his service to humanity,” the family said.
Foote founded the Jamaican-owned AdMark in 1964 and the advertising agency played a significant role in the development of the ethical standards and principles that govern the advertising and marketing sector in Jamaica and the Caribbean today.
His leadership in the establishment of the Caribbean School for Mass Communication (now CARIMAC at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus) is also a part of this exciting period of media and communication evolution in Jamaica.
He continued his support of the institution through multiple scholarships and donations offered through his Arnold Foote Foundation.
After four decades of contribution to his country, Foote was tapped by the Republic of Turkey in 1995 to be its Honorary Consul in Jamaica. He was then elected by his fellow consuls to lead the Consular Corps in Jamaica. In a few months, the Jamaican Consular Corps had a new mission and participated in a meaningful way to the country’s development and humanitarian projects.
In 2006, delegates from around the world elected Foote to lead the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC).
He would later release his biography, The Making of a Global Visionary: Journey through Love, Faith, Injustice and Vindication.
For his work, Foote has received scores of awards. In 1997, he was awarded membership in the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) for his work in advertising and the promotion of trade.
His other awards include Appreciation from Turkey for his contribution to its hurricane relief efforts; Grand Official Order of Merit-Brazil; The Diplomatic Society Order of the Knights of St Gabriel – Knight Officer – 2008; Honorary Citizen of Accra, Ghana – 2008; and the FICAC Gold Star – the highest honour of the World Federation of Consuls – World Congress of Consuls 2009.
Foote was also honoured by the Borough of Brooklyn, City of New York for his contribution to world peace and understanding-2008 and by the Consular Corps of Jamaica for outstanding service at Diplomatic Week Reception – 2010.
Also in 2010, the Governor General of Jamaica conferred the honour of membership in the Order of Jamaica in recognition of service to Jamaica and internationally in the fields of advertising, sports and diplomacy.
Foote is survived by his wife Patricia (nee Mills) and their three children – Roma, Arnold Foote III, and Kimberly, as well as six grandchildren – Arnella, Alexisse, Danielle, Brittany, Katelyn and Arnold.
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