By Adrian Frater, Staff Reporter 
The late veteran politician Charles Sinclair, who served three terms as Mayor of Montego Bay and was president of the Senate in the 1970s, will be buried this Saturday. - Contributed
WESTERN BUREAU:
PROMINENT MONTEGO Bay businessman and noted politician, Charles Sinclair, who died just over a week ago, will be buried this coming Saturday afternoon following a funeral service at the Calvary Baptist Church, in Montego Bay.
Mr. Sinclair, whose final days were characterised by financial woes and allegations of impropriety at the Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as treasurer for over 40 years, was considered an exemplary political figure in his heyday on the
political hustling.
In a colourful career, which spanned just over three decades, Mr. Sinclair had the enviable distinction of serving three separate terms as Mayor of Montego Bay. However, for many, the real highlight of his political career was when he was elevated to the coveted post of President of the Senate during the PNP regime of the 1970s.
Known for his easy-going demeanour, oratorical skills, infectious charisma and general knowledge of the issues, especial municipal and social matters, Mr. Sinclair was arguably one of Montego Bay's most revered son in his prime and was seen as one of the rising stars of rural politics in the 1970s.
However, during the latter stages of the 70s when political infighting was the order of the day within the ranks of the PNP, Sinclair surprised all and sundry by switching his allegiance to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in what was easily the most talked about defection at the time.
Under the JLP's banner, Mr. Sinclair was never able to recapture the magic that had transformed him from a schoolteacher to the most admired Mayor that graced the St. James Parish Council. A subsequently switch to the National Democratic Movement also fail to re-ignite his political career. In the latter stages of his life, Sinclair's life gradually began to unravel as his business and church problems cast an eerie shadow over his previously illustrious career. However, despite being considered an outcast in some circles, he never loss the quiet dignity, which had endeared him to the people of Montego Bay.
Looking back at Mr. Sinclair's political legacy, he will probably be best remembered for the development plan he implemented at Jarrett Park, which culminated in the installation of floodlights at that facility. He will also be remembered for his pioneering work with the Montego Bay Little Theatre Movement. Mr. Sinclair, who is survived by his wife Hyacinth, son Errol, Charles (Jnr) and Garth; and daughters Donna, Karen and Heather, will be buried at Friendship, his home district in Hanover.
