#Kingston, October 27, 2018 – Jamaica – The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has started to honour Jamaica’s former Prime Ministers for their contribution to national development.
To begin the tradition, a floral tribute in commemoration of the 107th anniversary of the birth of former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Sir Donald Sangster, was held at National Heroes Park in Kingston today (October 26). Floral tributes will also be paid to others on the anniversary of their birth.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, who spoke at the ceremony for Mr. Sangster, said it is an acknowledgement of the work of those who have given service at the highest level.
“No longer should our former Prime Ministers be laid to rest and forgotten. Today’s function is about ensuring that those of us of a certain generation cast our minds back in appreciation and those of the younger generation learn and appreciate the sacrifices and dedication that went into creating the nation state that we are so proud to inhabit today… and continue the work to take us to the place where we all aspire to be,” she said.
Meanwhile, Miss Grange said plans are under way to refurbish sections of National Heroes Park, including the repair of monuments, landscaping and the installation of signs and storyboards with the contributions of the heroes and cultural artisans laid to rest at the site. This will be undertaken through the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), in collaboration with the JCDC.
For his part, Interim Executive Director of the JCDC, Orville Hill, told JIS News that the event will be an annual one, as “we acknowledge and recognise the contributions of former Prime Ministers who have passed away”.
Tributes will be paid to former Prime Ministers, Michael Manley, on December 10, and Hugh Shearer, on May 18, 2019.
Sir Donald Sangster was Jamaica’s second Prime Minister as well as the shortest-serving Prime Minister to date. He succeeded the Rt. Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante in February 1967, and served until April of that year when he succumbed to sudden illness.
Flowers were laid by the Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, who represented Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; Opposition Spokesperson on Youth and Culture, Senator Damion Crawford, who represented Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Pearnel Charles and Mr. Bindley Sangster, son of Mr. Sangster.
Release: JIS
Contact: Rochelle Williams
Header: Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange (second right), at the Monument of former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Sir Donald Sangster, after flowers were laid to commemorate his 107th birthday, today (October 26), in National Heroes Park. With Miss Grange are Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (second left); and sons of Mr. Sangster, Bindley (left) and Anthony. The ceremony was organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
Insert: Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange (second right) and Speaker of the House, Hon. Pearnel Charles (left), at the Monument of former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Sir Donald Sangster, after flowers were laid to commemorate his 107th birthday, today (October 26), in National Heroes Park. Others (from second left) are sons of Mr. Sangster, Bindley and Anthony. The ceremony was organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).