The Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has expressed sadness at the passing of Montego Bay entertainment entrepreneur, Walton “Walt” Crooks who died suddenly over the weekend.

Walt Crooks, a founder of reggae Sumfest and owner of Disco Inferno club died last Friday at age 69.

In his tribute, Minister Bartlett expressed the view that Walt Crooks was truly ahead of his time and it is regretted that he was not able to fulfil the dream he had in expanding Disco Inferno into a world class entertainment complex.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Disco Inferno club in the Coral Gardens area of Montego Bay was one of Jamaica’s hottest venues, with several high-profile acts performing.

Expressing condolence to Mr. Crooks’ family, Minister Bartlett added that the tourism industry and in particular the entertainment sector, mourns the loss of a true pioneer who was totally committed to the industry.

Walt Crooks cause of death is not yet known.