A pragmatic, patriotic
politician
THE MOST Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer's loss to our politics, trade union movement and Jamaica's developmental aspirations is perhaps irreplaceable at this time. He was a pragmatic and patriotic politician, a shrewd institution builder, a clear thinker and a decent man.
In direct social interactions, the physical usually strikes you first. So did Mr. Shearer's. He had a commanding presence and was thoughtful, with a sincere impulse for the poor, and none worked harder than he did. All these attributes signalled his sense of vision and projected his inclination
to lead.
Jamaica, the Caribbean and the international labour community will remember his peerless contributions to the fashioning of a modern industrial relations system. In all the relevant labour councils he gave none but wise advice that shaped the whole architecture of our modern labour movement.
He served at every level of our political process from Local Government Councillor to Prime Minister. He was the supreme politician patriotic, pragmatic, and shrewd. Always anxious to see the maturity of a democratic political culture in Jamaica, he was never short of courage in taking tough decisions. He placed the highest value on loyalty and on friendships across the political divide.
In politics as in labour matters and social relations, 'HL' was remarkable for his clear thinking, his passionate advocacy and his orientations as a generous, straightforward and decent man. I shall always remember his great generosity to me especially when I ministered the Labour portfolio.
All of us at the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Sport therefore celebrate his outstanding work and memory with a mixture of gratitude and pride, but also with the deepest sense of loss.
We extend our sincere condolences to his widow, the Most Honourable Dr. Denise Eldemire-Shearer, and other members of his family, as well as the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union and the Jamaica Labour Party, integral parts of his family circle.
Portia Simpson Miller
Minister of Local
Government, Community
Development & Sport
A Caribbean genius
THE PASSING of the Most Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer, trade unionist and politician, has truly brought about a great sense of regret to myself and my church community.
Mr. Shearer over the many years had played an outstanding role alongside his mentor, the late Sir Alexander Bustamante, in bringing about the upliftment of the working class movement of Jamaica.
He will long be remembered for efforts made by him during his tenure as Jamaica's third Prime Minister in independent nationhood, for his addition of 60 new secondary schools "opening the gate to secondary education to thousands of young Jamaicans whose education previously ended at the All-age school post-primary level".
Mr. Shearer could always be relied on for his sober approach in dealing with the most severe political crisis.
In my personal view he was one of the Caribbean's geniuses when it came to the task of negotiating the workers' rights and upliftment.
On behalf of the entire membership of the International Pentecostal City Mission movement I wish to extend deepest sympathy to his bereaved widow Mrs. Eldemire-Shearer, his brother Monsignor Stanley Shearer, the Trade Union movement and the Jamaica Labour Party which he had faithfully served. May his soul rest in peace.
Bishop Dr. Delrose Walters
Overseer
City Mission Church
A trade union stalwart
THE MOST Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer was easily one of Jamaica's most outstanding sons. Mr. Shearer distinguished himself as an outstanding public servant, who dedicated virtually his entire life to the welfare of those whom he served.
Mr. Shearer's early association with the trade union movement groomed him for the ultimate position of Prime Minister of Jamaica, a position which he served with distinction between 1967 and 1972. Indeed, he was recognized as one of the outstanding Caribbean leaders, during the post-emancipation era.
His commitment to service was of such that even after his retirement from active politics, he continued to make invaluable contributions through the BITU, for which he served as President General, as well as the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), of which he was founding president. Up to the time of his death, he was widely regarded as the elder statesman of Jamaican politics.
Jamaica has indeed lost one of its outstanding sons, an irreplaceable giant in his own right.
We extend sincere condolences to Mr. Shearer's widow Dr. Denise Eldemire-Shearer and other members of his family. May his soul rest in peace.
The Customs Brokers
Association of Jamaica
(CBAJ)
A great Jamaican
THE DIRECTORS, management and staff of Grace, Kennedy and Co. Ltd. extend their condolences to the family of former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer.
Mr. Shearer gave effective leadership to both Jamaica and the Caribbean while he was Prime Minister. This leadership he continued to offer the country throughout his life.
His role as a trade unionist was outstanding especially in his service to the maritime industry.
We are proud to have known and been associated with this great Jamaican whose loss will be mourned by the entire nation.
Grace, Kennedy and Co.
Ltd.
