The New Democratic Party has expressed its deep sadness at the passing of former Prime Minister of Jamaica the Honorable Edward Seaga.

President of the NDP, Dr Godwin Friday

Mr Seaga served as Jamaica’s Prime Minister from 1980 to 1989 and was the only remaining member of the generation of leaders who drafted the country’s constitution when Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962. He was the Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party for 1974 to 2005.
His political career began in the late 1950s. He became a member of parliament in 1962 and represented the constituency of West Kingston for forty consecutive years. He held a parliamentary seat longer than anyone else in Jamaica’s history.

His passing is a great loss to Jamaica and the entire Caribbean.

Reacting to the passing of Mr. Seaga, President of the NDP, Dr. Godwin Friday stated: “I was happy to meet Mr. Seaga a couple of years ago when I attended the Jamaica Labour Party’s annual conference in Kingston. He addressed the conference to rapturous applause and profound appreciation. Mr. Seaga contributed greatly in shaping Jamaica’s post-independence politics and economic life. His contribution to the development of our region will echo for years to come. Our condolences go out to his loved ones and to the JLP. May his soul rest in peace.”

The New Democratic Party extends condolences to the family of Mr. Seaga, to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the JLP and to the people of Jamaica. We share your loss.