Michael Jackson was renowned for his electrifying performances and eccentricites

The pop legend, revered for his music and to some extent reviled for his eccentricities, died suddenly in Los Angeles on Thursday of cardiac arrest.

His music thrilled people all across the Caribbean, and his dance moves were copied – albeit with varying degrees of success.

At at the height of his popularity many young men adopted his ‘wet-look’ hairstyle.

On the air, in newspapers and via the internet, the Caribbean has been paying tribute to the pop music legend.

He had also visited the region as part of the Jackson 5 in the 1970s, performing in Trinidad and Jamaica.

In Trinidad, he’s reported as having done a "reasonably good job" with his version of the soca hit Sugar Bum Bum made famous by the late calypsonian Lord Kitchener.

Machel Montano

In a tribute statement on Friday, Trinidadian soca star, Machel Montano, said “Michael Jackson will be missed but never forgotten. Even in death he is able to unite people of all creeds and colours … he is the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”

Machel Montano said he and many others owed their careers to “MJ”, adding that “he encouraged my dream. So much of what I have done has been inspired and informed by him.”

Listen to Mike Jarvis' report on Caribbean reactions to Michael Jackson's death

We have all lost a piece of our hearts with the passing away of Michael Jackson. He was a spectrum who defined his path and his legacy in his lifetime.
I am honoured to have been one in a million with whom he shared his love, passion and joy with. And with utmost respect, love and a solemn joy in my heart that I bid him good bye. 'Michael you did not find completeness in this world and I hope that your Spirit finds it.'
To God be the Glory.
Dianne
Castries, St Lucia

His music crossed all boundaries - race, religion, age - he was a genius and there will never be another like him. R.I.P. MJ!
Nadia
Port of Spain, Trinidad

"Gone too soon"
Michael was too much for this world...too talented...too loving...too beautiful...we will remember his music forever because the world will never have an artist of his calibre again. A light has left this world with his passing..."like a comet blazing cross the evening sky, gone too soon".
Rest with the Angels in eternal peace.
Monique
Roseau, Dominica

Tears welled up when I heard of his passing. Rest Easy MJ...x
Kay
London, England UK

It’s really sad for me, I can’t stop crying, it’s hard for me. I was a little girl always trying to copy his moves. They way he danced and sang made me go crazy. Michael Jackson, you are always and forever in my heart. Now rest in peace and my prayers go with you.
Jolita
Fall River, USA

Michael was simply the best at what he did. I am still in shock at his passing (the good die young).The world and its people are all grateful to his parents and siblings for his contribution to humanity. May God Bless his family, and his soul RIP.
Denny Brown
Toronto, Canada

Michael was a wonderful artist. He touched my heart as I grew up in Barbados. I collected many memorabilia, I think he was so honest genuine and of course modest. It was a shame that black artistes did not back him in his time in need. However, I know he forgave them that was the type of person he was. Well done they true and faithful servant. may you rest in peace. I will never forget you , you were one of akind
L.Downes,
Barbados

I grew up listening to Michael Jackson in the late 80s. As a Jamaican I was never around at the time when Bob Marley died so I didn't know what the feeling was like to lose an icon which many say was great until the death of Michael. I am really down but the one song that keep playing in my mind is HEAL THE WORLD. I think Michael was trying to send a message; we should over look colour, respect each other and let’s try to make this world a better place and that’s what I will take forever.
Richard,
Kingston

I grew up in the era of the Jackson 5. I was just about the same age with MJ. As he grew. I grew with the inspiration which he provided that a black person can make big. He took a path of musical excellence. I took a path of excellence in law. We both achieved our goals but at high prices. Once you get to the top, watch out. Sad to see you go my brother Michael. I hope you finally find the peace which eluded you in this world.
Kenneth Munroe-Brown
Port of Spain

I've never seen Michael in real life but his music inspired me in my life because of where he came from and where he ended up as the KING OF POP and no one will ever reach the level he has reached. This why you must always believe in yourself and anyone tries to bring you down you must show that you will always be able to rise above them.
Lorenzo
Trinidad and Tobago

This man was the absolute best out there, so amazingly talented. I'm surprised that I haven't cried as yet, probably it has quite hit me yet. R.I.P Michael - at least all the pain is behind you now.
Kimberly Benjamin
Roseau, Dominica

Michael was awesome! I remember seeing the Jackson 5 as a teen when they came to Jamaica in 1975. It was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of my teenage years. FYI: Also on the same show was a local act by the name of Bob Marley & the Wailers. Imagine, two music legends on the same stage.
Flavia White
Kingston, Jamaica

The passing of Michael Jackson is indeed a shock to the world at large. He was and will always be a legend. Those of us who are black and grew up with this man, at some point in their life wanted to be Michael Jackson or part of the Jackson five groups.
I remember growing my hair (Afro) to look like him, wearing Bell bottom Pants and Platform Shoes. In the 70’s this guy make you feel alive, even when you have nothing else going for you. Michael Jackson, in his own way touches the heart and soul of the world.
He will live on forever.
Thanks Michael for the memories, take your rest now my dear friend, you have done the world a great of good. You’re now in God’s wondrous care, doing what you love, making great music.
David Johnson
New Jersey, USA