Prime Minister Mia Mottley has paid tribute to veteran entertainer and broadcaster Peta Alleyne, recalling how the late actress could make her laugh even when she was impersonating her.
In a statement following Alleyne’s death at age 65, Mottley remembered her sharp wit, impeccable timing and ability to capture the mannerisms of Barbadians through her performances.
“Her quick wit, her timing and her ability to catch a mannerism could have me laughing at myself along with everybody else,” the Prime Minister said.
She praised Alleyne’s three decades with Laff-it-Off, particularly her portrayal of Wilhelmina Herassofat, as well as her contributions to broadcasting, theatre and film.
Mottley said Alleyne had helped Barbadians recognise themselves through humour and had become one of the familiar voices that made the island feel like home.
“Peta was one of the voices of Barbados. We will miss hearing her. We will carry the laughter, the stories and the feeling of home she gave us,” she said.
The Prime Minister extended condolences to Alleyne’s son, Ade, her family, friends and colleagues at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation and Laff-it-Off.
Read the Prime Minister’s full tribute below:
There are voices we come to know so well that they become part of the sound of home. Peta Alleyne’s was one of those voices. It brought us laughter, moved us and helped us recognise ourselves.
Today, many Barbadians will feel they have lost someone who had become part of their lives, even if they never met her. I will remember, with great affection, how Peta could make me laugh.
Even when she was imitating me. Her quick wit, her timing and her ability to catch a mannerism could have me laughing at myself along with everybody else. For three decades on the Laff-it-Off stage, through Wilhelmina Herassofat and other unforgettable characters, she held up the familiar habits and contradictions of Barbadian life.
We recognised our neighbours, our families and, sometimes a little uncomfortably, ourselves. Behind the laughter was a serious artist. Peta understood the difference a pause could make, the meaning in a change of tone, the expression that could complete a story. Her attention to detail reflected her respect for her craft and her audience.
At CBC, she brought that same command of voice and presence into our homes. Her contribution reached across broadcasting, theatre and film, including How Hard the Times, Enid and her script for Dem Come a Calling. She also welcomed the talent of a younger Laff-it-Off cast while continuing to contribute through writing and recorded performances. As Barbados approaches 60 years of Independence and five years as a Republic, there is a particular sadness in losing so many of those who helped shape our nation and its culture.
Peta helped us understand and enjoy what it means to be Barbadian. On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend heartfelt condolences to her son, Ade, her entire family, her CBC and Laff-it-Off families, and her many friends and fellow artistes.
Peta was one of the voices of Barbados. We will miss hearing her. We will carry the laughter, the stories and the feeling of home she gave us.
May she rest in peace.
Prime Minister’s Office, Barbados
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