Creativity Takes Courage - Remembering André Burnett

My Dre dreamt with passion and without limits. It

Ever thinking ahead, Dre created a two step path

was as though for him life was a grand vision

to help guide our little Elisabeth to her full po-

board and his sole mission was to make each

tential.

part of it come true. No matter how unconventional an idea seemed; his audacity outmatched it.

He was equally fearless in debate. An avid reader with a quick retort, his vigorous discussions over business strategy, sports, politics, religion or anything really, frequently led him to remind his friends that he was the smartest one in the room! (lol) But Dre wasn’t just my friend, he was my life partner, my love who possessed a singular capacity to love our family and I as passionately as he did the other areas of his life. We developed

a soul-to-soul connection and at times he knew what I needed almost better than I did. He would remind me that he was raised by some strong

See the value in people. People are gifts and one way to open them is to ask questions.

A directive to her “ Be who you want to be. You will have access to more information and people and experiences than we did. So ultimately you’re the best person to determine your future.

Be inspired by us as your parents but don’t be limited by our experiences.”

It will be my constant reference as she grows.

Dre had so many names for me it was hard to keep up at times. The one I’m most fond of is Mgmt (management) because it served as a re-

minder of my ability to make things happen and he would use it especially if he required me to do something bold. Moving forward with this new

women so he knew a thing or two about the

phase in life is his boldest ask to date.

female brain. I’m grateful to these women.

Yours is one of the greatest LIFE stories ever

As our own little family grew we were lucky to

told. You did great things and many more great

begin a new journey that included a morning

things will be done because of you.

cardio routine of 1-2-3 catch and soldiers on

Love you Dre.

imaginary missions. At bedtime the Burnett Bunch performed two rounds of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire”.

Rochelle, Wife

No matter how unconventional an idea seemed; his audacity outmatched it.

May the sandy shores and daunting waves be a reminder of your indomitable spirit.

“Full many a gem of purest ray serene

As a child Andre never returned to the house without a gift for someone. He

The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear;

would kindly share what he had. It was not too small or expensive to share.

Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,

Andre understood the saying “the more I give, the more I’m blessed, and he

And waste its sweetness on the desert air"

was greatly blessed. By his standard, we came to the realization that we don’t

(Thomas Grey)

have to be a millionaire or a billionaire to give and we don’t have to be a part

Our dear selfless husband, son, nephew, brother, cousin and friend swiftly departed this world in the unfathomed caves of the oceans on Sunday, October 25, 2020. He left us with a legacy that would make a family, a business and country strive. Andre directed by love knew how to choreograph things and did it creatively, expertly, decently and professionally.

of an association to help. Andre gave, helped and shared profusely. Andre’s focus was on enriching people’s lives so that they can enrich themselves. Doing a hundred piece puzzle at age 6 in less than 10 minutes was an easy feat for Andre and quickly reading numerous books from different genres at a young age stimulated his creative mind. Andre became a member of the parish library at age 5 and entered the Jamaica Library Service Reading competi-

Andre’s educational achievement did not determine his self-worth, his charis-

tion at both the parish and national levels. He was successful at the Common

matic personality or character. Those gifts were innate and strengthened by

Entrance exam and won scholarships from Blue Cross and the Victoria Building

family values. He was a high performer who challenged the status quo while

Society. He later became the valedictorian at Munro College then matriculat-

remaining respectable, pleasant and amiable.

ed to the University of the West Indies where he earned his B.S.C in Environ-

Andre’s focus on love and unity was extended to everyone with whom he

mental Biology.

came into contact and applied to everything that he did. In time, many would

All the aforementioned showed how Andre would become a prolific genius.

look forward to compliments and show of appreciation.

Andre was an orator, promoter, copywriter, creative director, Gleaner column-

He loved family and friends, exhibited strong leadership qualities, was a

ist, a writer of short stories, speech writer, worked diligently in the creative

philanthropist at heart, a prolific genius and mentor. Those who knew him understood that love had no line of demarcation for Andre. He believed in,

industries, chief executive officer and established his own creative company: Muse 360. Throughout his career he has mentored many and proudly watched

respected and honoured his family deeply. They came first and so he ensured

their successes.

that everyone was in touch and he rarely missed a family gathering. He was

The family chain is broken but his spirit is unforgettable. May the sandy shores

very supportive of their physical, social, emotional and educational needs.

and daunting waves be a reminder of his indomitable spirit: Easily loved and

He made sure his presence was felt; not only within the family but to his ex-

quick to give love. A gift of God to us

tended circle of friends who became family. Once you are Andre’s friend, you

As in the words of the R. Wood

are family. He believed in the concepts of ‘one hand can’t clap’ and ‘one hand washes the other’. Therefore whatever he got was to be shared. He clearly understood that unity is the strength of family and worked hard to keep us together. Not a believer in achieving for himself alone but had the desire for

family achievement.

“I am going to read when I am five” Andre uttered these words when he was four years old and indeed he did read at that age. Exhibiting such precise determination at that age showed how he became an excellent leader. An expert and strategist at heart were seen developing at age 2 when he ate a whole fried fish without any assistance. He was very decisive in seeking no help: he wanted it just like it was. He dealt with it expertly. As a strong decisive leader, Andre was a determined challenger, never afraid to attempt the impossible. He was determined enough to create his own business and showed expertise in making a success of it.

Andre your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure Rest in peace Andre, wherever the ocean takes you.

Mother, Margaret and Aunts

My son Andre was a go-getter who made use of

little chuckle, as he was the one to break the

every opportunity life brought his way. His first

silence with “Daddy I’m sorry, I did not know the

summer after graduating from UWI Mona he

route before.”

secured a job writing for a newspaper even before returning home to Montego Bay. We didn't have a working computer then and so he decided to use his blackberry to work on his assign-

ments. His steely determination to meet his deadlines, resulted in two wrecked phones in two weeks! The Black berry then regarded as top of the line, was no match for Andre’s unorthodox approach and extraordinary work ethic.

They say the boy is “the father to the man”. As

a man. In 2018, issues with my eyesight brought me to Kingston for treatment. Andre was the one to shuttle me around from Knutsford Express, to

That’s when I learnt that he had over twenty peomind behind the very exciting Peter Bunting campaign. When I asked how he came about

School, I contemplated moving him to a school

securing that job his reply was that “Dad when

with more access and facilities. In discussing that

you are the best in the business people will come

option with Ms Chambers - his teacher at the

and look for you.” My son set out to be the best.

time - she argued that he should remain there

became the best and was sought out by the best

because as she said “he was going to be their

in the business.

My son lived a good life, a successful one of

Andre was as resolute as he was brilliant. After

which all of his relatives on both sides of the

picking him up from Chancellor Hall at the end of

family were proud.

was hungry and insisted that we stop at KFC in Mandeville as it was en route. I explained that

Son, I wish we had more time together to speak and to enjoy each other’s company.We have had some lows but the good times have outweighed the bad times by a long shot.

unfortunately it was not on my route as I decided

However, even in this time of sadness the bible

upon a different and much shorter path. From

gives us great hope.

that point on he refused to say a word to me

As John ch 5 vs 28-29 states

thinking that he would allow me to realise my error on my own. On our arrival home, I had a

Dougal, Dad.

final visit, he decided to show me his office.

else. Based on his success at the Balaclava Basic

Approaching Williamsfield, he announced that he

I will miss you dear Andre

the ophthalmologist and UWI and back. On my

the task and head and shoulders above everyone

laklava and quite enjoying our drive together.

done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

intentional as he was as a child so too was he as

ple in his employ and that he was the creative

the first semester we were heading back to Ba-

his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have

That’s how he was from day one - dedicated to

star”. And so it was.

when all who are in their graves will hear

“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming

They say the boy is “the father to the man”. As intentional as he was as a child so too was he as a man.

Though this is a difficult task, I am consoled by

To me you will always be the wisest man in Babylon

the fact that I am not alone in grieving for my

Brandon

brother. I am being held up by an extended com-

munity of family and friends who are hurting and missing him too.

Dre was one of the most motivated and confident

My brother Andre was extraordinary in many

people I've ever known.He believed in family and

ways. But, above all, his gift was the way he

dreams and was devoted to both

brought people together. It was not just us - his family, not just his Mom, aunts, and cousins. It was also his friends. He was the glue that kept the community strong. It was a role that came to him naturally. My brother was a low-key cool guy. He didn’t have to try hard to be cool. Even in situations that were awkward or uncomfortable for many, he always found a way to make it comfortable for all involved.

ments with their siblings from time to time, one thing that stands out from our childhood is that I have only one memory of him being upset with me.

It was the time that we had to choose between two movies - Madonna's Evita or classic James Bond.

He was not happy with the three-hour musical and even more so he was not happy that he lost that battle.

And that’s how it was for us too. Our relationship started when we were on the cusp of adulthood

because he is my half brother and we did not grow up together.

Whereas my cousins and friends would have argu-

Nonetheless, once we con-

nected, he made the effort to get to know me.Over the years, we interacted first as siblings,

My baby brother was fearless. He was not afraid of dreaming too big or of reinvention. He was just

focused on being his best and conquering the

er. I want to try and move forward and celebrate

world. His life reinforced the maxim that everything

the life of my brother as I know this is what he

is possible with the right attitude.

would’ve wanted. I will do my best to make him Natala

then as adults and professionals. I took pleasure seeing him evolve as a husband and a father and a businessman and enjoyed just being a fly on the wall, looking on at how he interacted with his wife

a genius, who believed in himself and his talents fearlessly and pursued everything with unwavering confidence and conviction

proud. I will miss him and I promise to keep his memory alive. Bless up mi Bredda.

Damian Myers, DDS

In the past whenever I had a speech or an article to

Rochelle and then his baby girl. It was beautiful.

write Andre would be the first and last to review

Despite being grounded and family-oriented, my

With the exception of writing the Best Man's

Andre has been such a supportive and loving

Speech at his wedding; this will be my first solo

cousin...always willing to share his knowledge with

project.

others.

brother remained restless in a good way. He was always striving to get to the next level to accomplish the next professional goal. This was in large part because he had a very artistic mind that was always on and always seeing beauty and opportu-

it.

We have known each other since we were about

Jina Leigh Ennis

three years old and the older we get the closer we became. Burns has been my closest friend and to

nities in the world.

not have him here the past few weeks to talk to

Andre was my cousin but he was really my broth-

When I visited Rochelle and Andre at his office

every day has proven to be very difficult but I will

er. And he will be my brother now and forev-

not dwell on the bad. I will cherish the memories I

er. His determination and drive were always sec-

have and will reflect on the good times we had

ond to none. He not only looked to always im-

growing up together.

prove himself, but he always made sure everyone

last year, I was impressed. It exuded a young hip vibe filled with a young, driven tribe the kind that you would find in Silicon Valley. I was so proud of them. My brother who had given so much still had

We went to Balaclava basic and primary schools,

so much more to give.

and then onto Munro College together. For univer-

I will miss him.

to UWI. When I came home for the holidays I would

sity I went overseas while he stayed home and went AJ Burnett

stay with Andre in Kingston. I would always tell him I’m not coming back unless he got an AC and the next year I would still come back to stay in the same hot apartment.Our daughters were born a week apart. Our friends would joke that we planned to have our children at the same time. I could go on

around him did as well. He wanted everyone he knew to strive to be better. And we are all better having known him. I hope those who knew him, however you may know him, remember him as an inspiration to leap that next hurdle or overcome that next hardship. It's devastating that you left us so soon, Andre, but I’m happy to have had you in my life. I can’t imagine being where I am without you being a part of my life. See you in the next life, my brother.

with many more stories in situations that would

Nigel Austin

highlight our friendship but those we will share to-

gether when we meet again.

Knowing each other for so long and communicating almost every day you get to know someone very well. I will say he was a brilliant mind, a critical thinker, honest, caring and creative individual that always strived to do and be better. He never did anything just for himself he always tried to include his friends and family in any project or idea he wanted to execute. He always wanted us to have success togeth-

You meant so much to me and I cherish the relationship we had growing up. You were always a phone call or a text away from providing sound advice. I'll forever replay our conversations and keep them close to my heart.

Walk Good Dre Sherisse

When I think of Dre the poem “IF” by India born- Brit-

Dre was a businessman, unafraid of risks and always ex-

ish poet Rudyard Kipling comes to mind – not just for

cited at the possibilities of a new project. I recall a con-

the words but because of its’ mood of a father speak-

versation with him when he shared that his view on the

ing to a son.

state of Caribbean economies with a theory of agricul-

Dre was like a son. I met him through my daughter – Kimala. We always enjoy a father/daughter relationship of trust and collaboration on writing projects from her College years to starting her business. One day she

ture as the answer. Shortly after he produced a proposal that blew the minds of everyone with whom it was shared including one of the Caribbean’s greatest Prime Ministers.

shared a speech with me that was so well written, I

When the news of his death reached me, my world

thought she no longer needed me. The writer of this

stopped, and a new sense of our mortality and overtook

speech was Andre.

me. I had just spoken to him the day before and he

I met Andre a few weeks later and there begun a relationship that would live beyond his years at The Lab. To put it in Andre’s words – “the universe brought him to her so that he could meet me and later some very special people in his life.”

shared as Dre shared – his excitement, passion and discovery of a place – Treasure Beach, spoke to him and he shared with me that this was the place he wanted to live and do business, to become his home. Death with its certainty, ironies made Treasure Beach the place he

made his last breath. His death is a major loss to his fami-

Dre was greatly loved by so many people because he

ly, friends, and the entire nation, the wider Caribbean

simply was larger than himself. He and I connected

and the world.

through music and I admired how he loved Kartel with the same fervour he loved Jay Z or an unknown artiste from somewhere.

With Dre, nothing was surface, a

conversation led to research and deep analysis and whether or not you agreed with his philosophies, you had to consider it just because of the energy he would put in advancing the conversation. Whatever the subject, he approached it with the same hunger for truth and thirst for knowledge. For Dre, paying keen attention was a sense of duty. The same sense of duty he had with his family, especially his daughter, friends and to his country. An idea was easily spun into magic when shared with Dre and he was known for his out-of-

Dre was sustained by a youthful buoyancy and a philosophy of living life to the fullest and to make others happy in the process. He believed in making the world better than how he received it. I will miss Dre and my thoughts and sympathy goes out to his family especially his mother, wife and daughter. May they be granted the strength to bear their sorrow. May we all celebrate

who he was,

what he stood for and how much he accomplished despite his age.

You were “a Man, my son!”

Mikie Bennett

the-box creativity. Yet, he never lost his humility.

If you can talk with crowds and keep his virtue or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch”.

Dre lived this line from Kipling’s IF. He was as comfortable in the Boardroom as he was in a community bar.

He loved engaging people and engaged everyone he encountered with the same ‘down-to-earth manner’.

He took delight in engaging people everywhere he went. It was no surprise when his death was announced, the outpouring of love and admiration for this larger than life young man.

If you can dream and not make dreams your master; If you can think

and not make thoughts your aim; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss;

An idea was easily spun into magic when shared with Dre and he was known for his outof-the-box creativity.

It’s been difficult putting together a tribute for one so young with so much to get done and who was within a stone’s throw of a major breakthrough.

Dre was always destined to be a shining star. He came to the Agency as a copywriter early in his Advertising career; eager to learn and immediately told me "I want your job!" I was the Creative

Andre was introduced to me a few years ago in his professional capacity as Creative Director. His creative moments were like lightening bolts; quick and impactful. His contribution to the Rise United Campaign helped generate a great deal

Andre was a wingman , a sounding board, a man

Director. I realized that this young man was not

who always found solutions to problems whose

only brimming with fresh creativity, he also had

of excitement in a short time.

words “Fagi mi know a man enuh” I will never

burning ambition. He had a smile you could see

forget .He saw no barrier as insurmountable and

from a mile. And although life in the Agency

I admired how he carried other young profes-

possessed a unique ability to inject any idea, pro-

sometimes gets rough, he never stopped smil-

ject or subject that we discussed with innovation

ing. But what I admired about him most was that

in a way I am yet to see anyone else do.

he was always thankful and respectful. He was

When I look up at my vision board for 2020 I see him written all over it, he was the first to have seen it and the first to whom I explained the con-

never too proud to ask for advice. Only God knows what he could have achieved. Because for Dre, not even the sky was the limit.

cept of VUCA. We identified 2020 as a year of innovation and disruption but we did not see Covid. Yes, we saw disruption but we did not see the events of that fateful day in Treasure beach.

short stint working together, it was clear that success for him also meant success for his colleague marketing professionals. He often spoke about changing how the creative industries operated, and he empowered like-minded individuals to use their skills to change perceptions.

Colin Wheeler

disruptive solutions often lamented that we saw

sionals along with him on his journey. During our

His interests were diverse, and our discussions would range from revitalizing local agriculture, to

Andre was a unique individual who put people first. As a creative storyteller, he brought concepts to life engendering immediate interest and participation. He believed that the road to collab-

the potential of the Guyanese economy, and even to the relative merits of Buddhism.

One

constant enthusiasm was his love and affection for his family, both immediate – mother, wife and daughter - and extended to include N.E. St. Eliz-

The envisioned projects are still taking shape es-

oration started with the authentic sharing of vision

pecially those we looked at in the famous last

and objectives - a lesson imparted to him by one

abeth and Munro.

quarter as typified by the famous Chicago Bulls

of his mentors.

His unbridled excitement whenever he generat-

team of the 90s.

Dane Spencer

ed a new concept will be missed, but the many instances of sheer ingenuity that he transformed

Sometime last year or early this year, we touched

into tangible marketing campaigns have secured

base and discussed Guyana. He said he was head-

his legacy.

ing there to link George. I put him in touch with a

Peter Bunting

major power broker and gave him a strategic

plan. In his usual style, he found ways of meeting with very influential players and our contrarian approach proved to be the right one. Only Dre could have had the audacity to pull that off.

One goal remains unfulfilled that of meeting with the de facto leader of the Caribbean - Mia. However, it shall be done. The void is huge, as I look up at the vision board Dre is still baked in.

But, In his memory “ it shall be done” .

Clive Fagan

Andre was a wingman , a sounding board, a man who always found solutions to problems

A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great

ployee and friend and will continue to display the

soul never dies. It brings us together again and

values that Andre has taught us.

again. - Maya Angelou We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, The Board and team members of the Limners

friends, and the wider Creative Industry during

and Bards limited (The LAB) are saddened by the

this difficult time.

passing of Andre Burton, our friend, former coworker, and colleague in the local Jamaican

Walk good Dre! Your Legacy Lives On.

Creative Industry.

Andre was instrumental in the development of the LAB, where he was our first Creative Director and the brainchild behind many of our creative strategies that have led us to stand out as true Innovators in the local advertising industry. Andre eventually left the LAB to work on his entre-

preneurial pursuits but his creative mark on the LAB will always remain.

We salute him for his creative mind We will remember him for his kind heart and dedication We are forever grateful for his contributions to the LAB and the wider Creative Industry The LAB is proud to have had Andre as an em-

the brainchild behind many of our creative strategies that have led us to stand out as true Innovators in the local advertising industry.

Having to face this reality has been the hardest

thing I've ever had to do. We were always a part of each other's lives and for the last 23 years we've always been able to count on one another.

You joked that it was fate how you recited my number whilst living Montego Bay, this was way before we could afford cell phones.

to many spirited discussions and sometimes arguments but at the end of the day it was all love.

You always left a mark no matter where you went. There are so many people who have been touched by you and your impact will never be forgotten. There is so much more that I could say but words are never enough. Attacking Team was our mantra and our battle cry. All of us who

3 7 6 7 0 3 0...you said you couldn't understand

loved you and knew what this meant will contin-

how the numbers just randomly popped into

ue to push forward attacking each day, each

your head but you knew immediately that it was

opportunity, each moment as if it were our last.

for a reason. That reason gave you the impetus to call me, to reach out, to connect with me.

It was a watershed moment for you even though

You will always live on through me Burns, I will continue to push forward. I love you and I will always honour your legacy.

you and I had always been involved and interest-

Michael Morrison

ed in many of the same activities - math class & basketball to name a few- we

became close

after that moment. This moment is past surreal.

We miss you but we don't readily want to accept the fact that you're no longer with us physically.

No matter how many times I listen to the voice notes they offer no comfort. It's never going to be the same without you bro.

Of all of us your light always seemed to burn brightest. Your quick wit and inquisitive mind led

Jamaica and the world has lost a very special human being with a brilliant mind who understood the essence of our humanity...the obligation we have to live for others and help each other. He truly cared.

Rosalea Hamilton, Ph.D.

Of all of us your light always seemed to burn brightest.

His hunger for learning gave his interests range, opinion depth, and his vision a breadth that was rare.

I knew Dre for a relatively short period in compari-

I was instructed not to worry because I was being

we remained part of a tight-knit circle of growth

son to most, but in that time we formed an in-

sent an amazing writer who “ could write any-

whose approaches balanced each other.

credible bond. We had plans of feeding the peo-

thing.” After five years at the helm of a growing

ple of Jamaica and the entire Caribbean. He used

production house I’d worked with many gifted

to say “if I can sell white rum, then I can sell food,

writers. Yet, as incredible as this claim seemed,

so “G” (which is what he called me) you grow it, I

my looming deadline forced me to press ahead.

will sell it.

Over time we fell into a powerful dynamic - Dre my little brother always on the attack; always finding new ground and new models and I the big sister always tempering with a strong defense and

From that very first piece that Dre wrote for me, I

trying to keep things together. This I valued espe-

Dre taught me several life lessons, one of which is

was blown away. He crafted my message so ex-

cially because of the evident priority that he

to put value on one’s talent and knowledge -

pertly that from then on I was hesitant to even

placed on family.

things he had in abundance.

He looked at life

write an IG post without him. Yes, that was the

through a different set of lenses from most

effect that he had on me - the founder of an ad

which allowed him to find workable solutions to

agency who up to that point took pleasure in

just about every problem.

writing.

He loved his fellow

man, expressing the wish to save people he didn’t even know.

Paolo Choelo said “Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity.”. And though I could not identify it

Jamaica is a little darker now........because we

then, what I was witnessing in that moment of

have lost one of the brightest stars we had.

perfect prose was his dedication to his craft, his

~ To Andre......you may not be here right now, but I look forward to meeting up with you on the

Gary Coulton

I chuckled and asked “why you say dat?”

“Cause mi know” Dre said casually but with a glimmer of assurance in that moment.

descriptor for such a fierce creative, because my little bro was more than a gifted creative he was a ests range, opinion depth, and his vision a breadth that was rare. Nevertheless, he was generous with his knowledge which he dished out with zeal and edge at times. He probably knew

that I would have been taken aback by the recom-

As succinct that conversation can appear, it also

mendation to read "Winning" by Jack Welch and

reflected the depth of impact Dre can have on

the tacit implication therein. However, he recom-

anyone when you’ve met him for the first time or

mended it anyway and it is now among my favor-

if you’ve known him for years. His impact was felt

ites.

through his family, his friends and loved ones and will continue to live on within us.

Kristofferson Nunes

will always have a safe space to land. You approached life with an irrepressible zest. Your words and works will be honored likewise.

Miss you and love you little bro Kimala Bennett

dre, that uncommon denominator.

polymath. His hunger for learning gave his inter“Yo Kris, u a go arite. Mi know that for sure”

your staunchest defenders Rochelle and Elisabeth

passion, drive, and discipline, and of course An-

Yes, funnily that math element is an appropriate

other side. Walk Good My Friend.

Andre, I promise to maintain that role as one of

Whether it was before The LAB, during his time at The LAB or after he started his own businesses;

Dre was a genius, who believed in himself and his talents fearlessly and pursued everything with unwavering confidence and conviction. Love you bro, i will miss you forever and a day.

Larren Peart

A Tribute to a veteran, the youngest to be exact.

As a creative, I can think of a dozen brilliant ways to begin a tribute. But as a friend who mourns a confidante, familiar and champion who believed in me relentlessly, it has proven one of my most difficult writing tasks.

out”. I said no, and that sparked a conversation of genuine care, concern and reverence. We spent hours calling each other over the next several weeks discussing all the possible outcomes of a pandemic. In the end, we agreed to disagree on the how, but to do the best we can to protect ourselves and our families. The song that

Dre was an avid supporter of my writing and

we agreed was most fitting at the time was Jesse

always wanted to see me monetize that talent

Royal - Jah will see us through. “But you must

more. I believe this is why he called me 6 years

know, not just believe, that Jah is gonna see us

ago to say it was time I moved into advertising.

through,” I croaked, and he picked up with the

In his words, I could really “clean up” if I wrote

next stanza. Like the song advises, Dre was in-

ads. “Rich off writing ads?’, I said sarcastically.

tentional about learning his lessons, loving fierce-

He laughed, “Dawg, just forward!”

ly and living a good life. His love for old and new

That began my first full-time job at The Lab,

friends was inspiring. He truly considered his

where I would first see him in true Draper action.

friendships important and was invested in seeing

Dre would often joke about aging and the fact

everyone win.

that we saw each other “grow up”. For me,

“learn from your lessons and stop your pouting

watching him blossom into more of himself was

Gonna feel with more than just your senses

deeply satisfying. A little yute from country who

And then my Jah gonna see us through."

made something spectacular of himself and flew the gate for the entire Attacking Team: That’s how Brando will be remembered. He shared his ideas, philosophies and life hacks freely, profoundly impacting his community. A sweet and optimistic country yute, he understood the importance of leaving people better than you met them.

Dre and I first bonded over music. Our mutual (but before that conversation) well hidden obsession with Kings of Leon, Florence and the Ma-

chine, Coldplay and Muse was something that would connect us for life. For over a decade, He

I don’t know if Jesse Royal could have even imagined the great impact of the song during my grief, but I’m truly grateful that he put forth this piece when he did. I later found out that Dre shared it via Twitter on his last day with us, and for me that was a serendipitous display of Jah consoling us, through and for him.

Go tell Mamma Go tell Pappa Go tell my sisters and my brothers

Go tell my nieces and all my nephews That Jah gon' see us through.

would open our calls rendering revered lyrics

Andre has left our community with so many les-

from these and hundreds of other acts including

sons, blessings and memories. We will cherish

Jr Gong and in recent years, Jesse Royal. I feel

them, and allow Jah to take care of the rest.

such gratitude for our currency of music, as I will always find him between the lines of some of my favourite songs.

At the beginning of COVID-19, Dre called me to ask if I was going home to St Elizabeth to “ride it

Andre, You did astoundingly.

Walk good Youngest Vet. Eternally proud of you.

Tashan Hendricks

Dre was intentional about learning his lessons, loving fiercely and living a good life.

I really hoped I would not be in a position where I would need to write

the end of our working relationship at ezines but the start of a much

such a piece. Usually I would do the shell and send it to Burnett to edit

stronger friendship - a brotherhood even.

and he would turn it into a very creative piece for me to publish. I am now

We eventually mended fences and formed a productive partnership, sup-

writing a very touching piece, one that brings tears to my eyes, I want it to be well structured and expressive and I can’t send it to my friend to edit because it is about his death. He is gone.

porting each other in our various business ventures. I was there to lend support to Blue Dot Media and Muse when needed. While, he would send numerous voice notes and presentations on where I can take eMe-

Here goes … I proudly take credit for introducing Burnett to the creative

dia and iCreate.

field; giving him his first job in a creative / digital media company when I

He is the most supportive person I know and most creative - and I’ve met

founded eZines Limited. He usually would send me his Facebook notes (remember those?) saying he can write creative articles and I should hire him. I would ignore them (and him), because at UWI we used to keep parties, I did not know him as a writer. After reading through a few (if you know him, you would understand his persistent nature) I decided to bring him on part-time and eventually full-time. He believed in the business so much that he quit his job (which came with a car and more stability) to work with me. He was employee number two.

many. We would share our network and open up opportunities for each other. I’ve gained several high paying client accounts in my agency due to Burnett’s recommendations.

Having worked with so many in the industry, his passing has left a huge gap in Jamaica’s creative economy. We have lost a true creative genius that had so much left in him.

I’m heartbroken and battling with his passing. This is a rough one for my

I remember once telling him that I would put him on probation for what

family and I.

was seemingly a lack of performance — and in true Burnett fashion, he

Rest In Peace, Andre. Your memory will live on.

turned around and told me to put myself on probation. I fired him. It was

Tyrone Wilson

Jamaica has lost a creative genius.

Burnett was a true champion for our creative economy

The creative adult is the child who survived.