BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Monday expressed shock at the passing of South African singer Miriam Makeba, who reportedly suffered a heart attack and died after performing at an anti-Mafia concert in Italy on Sunday. She was 76.

Speaking with the Caribbean Media Corporation via telephone from Antigua, CARICOM Chairman Baldwin Spencer described Makeba as a "towering figure in the fight against apartheid.

"Not only the music world, but the black diaspora and (all) peoples of goodwill would certainly mourn at her passing," Spencer said, adding that "she has certainly made a significant contribution to the efforts of her country and indeed the world".