Prime Minister Bruce Golding has expressed deep regret at the death yesterday afternoon of famed restaurateur Norma Shirley.

Golding noted that the passing of Shirley, who is often described as the Grand Dame of Caribbean Cuisine, is another loss of one of the nation's great cultural treasures.

Shirley, who was 72, was best known for her chain of restaurants: Norma's on the Terrace at the Devon House courtyard in St Andrew; Norma's at the Marina in Port Antonio, Portland; and Norma's on the Beach in Negril.

The Gleaner understands that Shirley died at the University Hospital of the West Indies after a short illness.

Golding has sent condolences to Shirley's family, customers, and friends.

The restaurateur, whose acumen in the kitchen has been featured in major food publications such as Bon Appétit, was called "the Julia Child of the Caribbean" by Food & Wine.

"It was a privilege to have collaborated with a Jamaican chef of such high repute," said Barbara Ellington, The Gleaner's Lifestyle editor. "Ms Shirley is among the pioneers of our culinary landscape who elevated Jamaican cuisine to gourmet standards."

Norma's on the Terrace boasts the enviable record of being named by the world-renowned Conde Nast Traveler as one of the 60 best new restaurants on the planet in May 2000. In 2003, Shirley's restaurant received the Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for Service to Jamaica.

Shirley has also been featured in numerous international magazines, including Vogue London, Vogue New York, and Brides, among others. She also authored the book Life in the Food Lane, and collaborated on the production of The Book of Jamaica: A Culinary Quest.