By Derrick Scott, Gleaner WriterATLANTA, Georgia:
THE JAMAICAN community in Atlanta has expressed sorrow at the passing of former Prime Minister Hugh Lawson Shearer on Monday of this week. Many reflected on the life and times of the former Prime Minister, describing him as a statesman, a giant in the trade union movement and a stalwart fighting for the rights of the common people.
In paying tribute to Mr. Shearer, Vin Martin, Jamaica's Honorary Consul, said "Like so many Jamaicans all over the world, I am moved by the passing of the former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer. This shocking news has left us in Atlanta with a feeling of sadness at the loss of this elder statesman."
"While the nation mourns his loss," Mr. Martin said, "We in Atlanta will remember this stalwart's commitment to the labour movement, his service as a public servant and his tenure as Prime Minister. On behalf of the Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in Georgia, I extend my sincere condolences to the members of his family."
HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED
Astley N. Leslie, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour who worked with Mr. Shearer, in reflecting on his passing, said, "I will always remember his cogent and persuasive presentation before the (Goldenberg) Sugar Commission of 1959.
"Jamaica has lost another of her outstanding sons and he will be greatly missed," added Mr. Leslie.
A condolence book was opened on Wednesday at the office of Jamaica's Honorary Consul in Stone Mountain, Georgia in the United States.
Among the persons affixing their signatures were Mr. Martin; Dr. Karen Russell, president of the St. Hugh's Alumni Association; Carmen Allen, president of Kingston Technical Alumni Association; Beth Powell-Jackson, secretary of Tropical Sports Club and Joyce Tomlinson, representing Air Jamaica in Atlanta.
Other signatories included Derrick Wright, president of the Atlanta Jamaican Association and Jason Walker of WRFG Radio. The condolence book will be open to the public daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day and will remain open until July 19, a day after Mr. Shearer's funeral service. The condolence book will move to the Atlanta Jamaican Association's monthly meeting on Saturday, July 10, where members will have an opportunity to sign.
Among those expecting to sign the book is former ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
Plans are being made for a memorial service to be held in Atlanta at a later date in memory of Mr. Shearer.
