'H.L.' was
like a sonI AM deeply saddened and shakened by the passing of Hugh Shearer. Although he was ailing, I never would have thought that the end was so near. He served his country well with distinction and great humility. His unswerving loyalty and dedication to the party and union which my late husband, Sir Alexander, and I founded is well known.
The 'Chief' and I regarded 'H.L.' as a son, a relationship which started from his teenage days with us in the union until the time of his death.
I will miss him dearly.
I express my deepest heartfelt sympathy to his dear wife Denise, his children and all his family.
The Most Honourable
Lady Bustamante
Consummate diplomat
IT IS with regret and deep sorrow that I have received the news of the passing of the Most Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer, O.J., P.C., LL.D, former Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, champion of the labour movement in Jamaica and a true statesman of the Caribbean.
We in this Ministry are particularly saddened as Mr. Shearer, having delivered Jamaica's first Policy Statement to the United Nations in 1962 shortly after Independence, had been closely associated with the Foreign Service throughout his career in Government.
With over 60 years of public service, the contribution of this distinguished son of Jamaica to national and regional development cannot be over-emphasised. He has undoubtedly been a landmark in the political,
economic and social history of our advancement.
WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE
Mr. Shearer's political career of almost 40 years equipped him with a wealth of experience and knowledge which enabled him to tackle not only local and regional issues, but to confront present and emerging challenges on the international stage, representing the interests of small developing countries fearlessly and with distinction.
In this regard, his powerful advocacy for human rights, culminating in his initiative
for 1968 to be declared International Human Rights Year, will long be remembered in the United Nations as one of the major catalysts towards the promotion of fundamental freedoms and self-determination worldwide. Committed to the ideal of the economic and social well-being of the people of this region, Mr. Shearer will also be remembered for his participation in the ACP/ EU negotiations of the Lomé Conventions, through which Europe granted assistance to developing countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. He was noted for using his renowned negotiating skills to resolve issues within the ACP, including those related to staff welfare, much to the enduring satisfaction of all. On the international stage, he was a consummate diplomat and statesman and was highly regarded and respected by his foreign counterparts.
EXEMPLARY ROLE
As we remember the exemplary role and contribution of the Most Honourable Hugh Shearer in international affairs, we also pause to recall his close working relationship with the executive management and staff of the Foreign Service, and in particular the late Frank Francis, distinguished diplomat and former Permanent Secretary who, in the 1980s, served as head of the Foreign Service during Mr. Shearer's subsequent tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
His affable personality, forceful oratory and contagious sense of humour will be sadly missed.
Our deepest expressions of sympathy to Denise, his wife, and his family. May his soul rest in peace.
KD Knight
Minister of
Foreign Affairs
Tremendous human spirit
THE PASSING of the Most Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer marks the end of an epic chapter in trade unionism in Jamaica. For more than 50 years Hugh Shearer dedicated his life to the cause of the working class, and has done so through a display of strong moral character and great humility.
In the last two decades, Shearer has epitomised what the trade union movement stands for solidarity, unity and co-operation. He worked tirelessly to overcome the destructive nature of trade union rivalry, and reconceptualised the praxis of collective bargaining to reflect a greater sense of trust, equity and justice.
There is little doubt that industrial relations in Jamaica today has been shaped by his will, leadership and vision. Through his laudable work in public service and his dedication to the cause of the workers of Jamaica, Hugh Lawson Shearer has etched not only a place in history, but also a place in people's hearts. He has left the trade union movement, but has left it stronger and better.
Hugh Shearer was a man of tremendous human spirit and blessed with the boon of sincerity and compassion. He would therefore not want for us to mourn his passing but celebrate his redemptive spirit that is the wellspring from which we draw inspiration for improving labour relations in the future.
To his wife, Denise, children and other relatives and friends, I extend deepest condolence through these trying and difficulty times.
Horace W. Dalley, MP
Minister of Labour
& Social Security
