Remembering Edward Seaga – tributes pour in for former Jamaica Prime Minister
Current and former heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are among those paying tributes to former Jamaica Prime Minister the Most Hon. Edward Seaga who died on Tuesday 28 May 2019, on his 89th birthday.
“A strong sense of both regionalism and responsibility permeated the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga’s leadership style and politics, resulting in him being widely admired and respected as an influential force within the Caribbean Community,” CARICOM Chairman, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis said.
“My Colleague Heads of Government and I will always carry Edward Seaga’s hopeful message in our hearts as we strive to maintain the standing of our region as a zone of peace and stability buttressed by respect for human rights and democracy. These are guiding principles from which we shall never depart, and we will long remember the crucial role that Edward Seaga played in establishing them,” he added.
Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon Andrew Holness, who announced the sad news on Tuesday afternoon, said he considered Mr. Seaga his political father.
“He has been a great mentor, friend and guide in imparting the skills on strategic leadership and in building a nation. I owe him and indeed Jamaica owes him a debt of gratitude. He will forever remain in our hearts and minds,” he said in a Facebook post.
In the House of Representatives, PM Holness said that for the former Prime Minister served this country for most of his life.
“He was in this Parliament for over 40 years. He is truly, a great Jamaican. He participated in the framing of the Constitution and the development of so many institutions which now define Jamaica,” Mr. Holness said.
He said a special sitting of the House would be held where Members could pay their respect to the late Prime Minister.
Jamaica Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, hailed Mr. Seaga as one of the principal architects of Jamaica’s post-independence governance structure.
The Most Hon. Edward Seaga leaves us a legacy of visionary leadership, sustainable institutional development, and a wealth of ideas and information. His formidable record of service will ensure the perpetuation of his contribution to the ongoing political maturing of our nation. pic.twitter.com/KCj9rs8vVK
— King’s House (@GGSirPAllen) May 28, 2019
Prime Minister of Dominica, the Hon Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted the late Prime Minister’s legacy in “academia, sports and culture, including his direct involvement in helping develop the reggae art form in post-independence Jamaica.”
“Dominicans will remember the close bonds he had with our own former Prime Minister the late Dame Eugenia Charles, and the admiration he shared for our country. Jamaica has lost one of its champions, and the Caribbean has lost one of its most central figures of the last years of the 20th century,” PM. Skerrit said.
Grenada Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, pointed to Mr. Seaga’s status as the longest serving parliamentarian in Jamaica and as a friend of Grenada.
“Mr. Seaga was a personal friend and a friend of Grenada and of the New National Party. I recall him being one of the regional leaders who favoured the United States intervention in Grenada in 1983, which led to the return of democracy. Whichever side of the fence we sit on, we must appreciate that as our brother’s keeper, we do what we believe is in their best interest. In politics, there will always be supporters and detractors, but it is only fitting that we recognise the invaluable contributions made by those who devote themselves to public life. We know that in life, we must be prepared for death, but it is still unnerving when we are brought face to face with our mortality. Today, Jamaica lost a son and the region lost a supporter of regional integration who has advocated for changes to improve the process,” PM Mitchell said.
Jamaica has lost a statesman, a builder and giant, and the Region will miss Mr. Seaga’s thoughtful commentary on matters of importance to its people, Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. Mia Mottley said in her tribute.
Prime Minster of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Hon, Keith Rowley, hailed Mr. Seaga as a “Caribbean political stalwart” who was instrumental in the drafting of the Jamaican Constitution, and who served as Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition on two occasions. This period of service, he said, spanned 43 years of dedication to public service, particularly to the people of Jamaica.
“As Caribbean people while we are poorer for his passing we can take comfort in being richer for his unstinting dedication and service to all of us,” PM Rowley said.
Flashback:
The Most Hon. Edward Seaga and then Deputy Director, NLJ Mrs. Eppie Edwards verifying the names listed on the Plaque bearing the names of the framers of Jamaica’s Independence Constitution 1962 pic.twitter.com/F6OEpaTaRD
— National Library JA (@natlibja) May 29, 2019
President of Guyana, His Excellency David Granger also extended sympathy to the government and people of Jamaica.
“Mr. Seaga served as Jamaica’s Prime Minister from 1980 to 1989, and was the last surviving framer of the Jamaican constitution. At the age of 29, the former prime minister became the youngest person to be nominated to the Legislative Council (later the Senate) where he served for two years before becoming a Member of Parliament until his retirement in January 2005,” the President’s sympathy message read.
Former Prime Ministers of Jamaica, PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding also paid tribute to Mr. Seaga.
#RememberingSeaga: “I join in sincere and humble salute as a grateful nation mourns the passing of a formidable political giant,” says former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, in paying tribute to the late Edward Seaga. pic.twitter.com/dGOyUU5PNe
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) May 29, 2019
See more Edward Seaga tributes – Curated tweets by CARICOMorg