Social media commentator and philanthropist Claude ‘Big Stone’ Sinclair, who died on Tuesday morning, is being remembered by his peers for his humanitarian spirit and acts of kindness. The former music producer and artiste manager-turned-YouTuber was known for his community work and advocacy for black consciousness and social justice. He was 68 years old.
Sinclair passed away at the Kingston Public Hospital after a battle with prostate cancer. His wife, Darma, said he had been suffering from the disease and also experienced organ failure.
Following his 2023 diagnosis, Sinclair spoke openly about his initial decision to try natural remedies. In later posts and interviews, he revealed that the cancer had spread to multiple areas, including his spine and hip, eventually weakening his bones and severely limiting his mobility. He had also been recovering from a serious fall in 2024 that required back surgery.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Jamaican men and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Health experts continue to emphasise the importance of early and regular screening.
The brother of late film and television icon Madge Sinclair and uncle of Founding Chairman of Kingston Properties Limited, Garfield ‘Gary’ Sinclair, Big Stone was born in St Ann and raised in Enfield, St Mary. He grew up in poverty and, in his own words, was often barefoot. One of nine children, he said his parents stressed education as the path out of hardship.
