Kingston, Jamaica: It is with deep sadness that the family of Professor The Honorable Arnold Foote announce his passing. The extraordinary diplomat transitioned on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at his home in Kingston, Jamaica.
The legacy of Professor The Honorable Arnold Foote looms 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.
Foote founded the Jamaican owned advertising agency, Advertising and Marketing (Jamaica) Ltd (AdMark), in 1964, now celebrating it’s 57th year as a leading agency with regional and international affiliations.
AdMark 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, as it was called then (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, Arnold was tapped by the Republic of Turkey in 1995 to be their 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 Arnold Foote to lead the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC).
Foote released his biography The Making of a Global Visionary: Journey through Love, Faith, Injustice and Vindication.
For his work Arnold Foote has received scores of awards. In 1997, he was awarded a national honour by his Government, Commander of the Order of Distinction 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; FICAC Gold Star – Highest honour of the World Federation of Consuls – World Congress of Consuls 2009; Honoured the Borough of Brooklyn, City of New York for his contribution to world peace and understanding-2008; Honoured 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 the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in recognition of service to Jamaica and internationally in the fields of advertising, sports and diplomacy.
Arnold is survived by his wife Patricia (nee Mills) and has three children; Roma, Arnold Foote III, and Kimberly, six grandchildren Arnella, Alexisse, Danielle, Brittany, Katelyn and Arnold.