Kamla pays tribute to former Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga

Our Caribbean family lost one of its great titans, Mr Edward Phillip George Seaga, who sadly passed away on Tuesday 28th May, 2019.

Mr Seaga, who was 89, served as the fifth Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1980 to 1989. Throughout his distinguished career, he set a high bar of excellence in leadership and statesmanship for future Caribbean leaders to follow.

His political career spanned several decades, starting in 1959, when at the age of 29, he became the youngest member ever appointed to the Legislative Council, which established the framework for Jamaica’s independence in August 1962. In April 1962 Mr Seaga was elected Member of Parliament for Western Kingston and he held that seat for 40 consecutive years and was the longest-serving M.P. in the history of Jamaica.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, he conceived and initiated several economic and social programmes which had a significant impact on Jamaica’s growth.

He will be remembered for his vision for Jamaica, and his work in national development, with a focus on empowering young people through education and skills development.

Mr Seaga’s commitment to public service and his work in building his country are indeed admirable, and the people of Jamaica and indeed the Caribbean region can be proud of this extraordinary man.

On behalf of the United National Congress, I offer my deepest condolences to Mr Seaga’s friends, his family, colleagues and to our Jamaican family.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP
Leader of the Opposition