Former Jamaica Prime Minister dies-PM Skerrit sends condolences

Edward Seaga, a former Jamaican prime minister who shaped the island’s post-independence politics and cultural life, died Tuesday at 89.

Seaga’s death was announced on Twitter by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Seaga, Jamaica’s prime minister from 1980 until 1989, was the only remaining member of the generation of leaders who drafted the constitution when Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said on his Facebook profile on Tuesday that he learned of Seaga’s passing with great sadness.

“The people and government of Dominica extend our condolence to his family, as well as the government and the people of Jamaica,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that Mr. Seaga had lived a full life, serving as a member of parliament for over 50 years, and indeed as his country’s fifth Prime Minister.

He added that Mr. Seaga also made his mark in academia, sports and culture, including his direct involvement in helping develop the reggae art form in post-independence Jamaica.

He continued that Dominicans will remember the close bonds he had with former Prime Minister the late Dame Eugenia Charles, and the admiration he shared for Dominica.

“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. May he rest in peace,” the Prime Minister concluded.