The founder of the Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant, Marcia Elaine ‘Mer’ Rigg-Baker, has died.
According to a statement on Tuesday, Rigg-Baker passed away on Monday, January 15, following a period of ill health. She was 73 years old.
“Rigg-Baker was born in Green Island, Hanover, and was a graduate of Rusea’s High School. She was employed by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and then at Barclays Bank in Hanover and Kingston before migrating to the United States in July 1980,” the statement read.
Highlighting that Rigg-Baker leaves behind a lasting legacy, the statement shared that the Jamaican native created the Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant out of a need to empower young women while “providing a space for creativity, building self-confidence, and nurturing business acumen.”
The South Florida pageant has been running for almost four decades.
Rigg-Baker also founded the non-profit charitable organization, Partners for Youth Foundation, with her late husband, Anthony.
“Affectionately known as Ms. Marcia, her profound commitment transformed young girls, especially first and second-generation Jamaican-American, into empowered women of tomorrow. Ms. Marcia created a sanctuary where the importance of cultural origins was acknowledged and celebrated, proudly embracing her identity as a Jamaican,” the release said.
The Bakers were among the Vanguards honored by the Jamaican Consulate General in Miami, during the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence in the Southern USA Diaspora community.
Contributions to alma mater
According to the news statement, Rigg-Baker was also the co-founder of the South Florida chapter of the Rusea’s Old Student’s Association (ROSA), a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the educational objectives of the school.
“ROSA is dedicated to advancing the educational objectives of their alma mater. Founded in 1777, Rusea’s High has produced many of Jamaica’s top leaders in numerous walks of life and disciplines in its 240 years existence,” the release noted.
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 host of other relatives and friends.
Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 27, at Genesis Christian Church in Margate, Florida.
