Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell (left) arrives with former Opposition leader Edward Seaga at the Jamaica Labour Party-hosted testimonial banquet in honour of Mr. Seaga. Dr. Mitchell was the guest speaker at the event held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston last Friday night. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
GRENADIAN PRIME Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell on Friday night lauded former Opposition Leader Edward Seaga for his contributions and leadership in shaping the way forward for Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Delivering the keynote address at a banquet held at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, to honour Mr. Seaga's 45-year contribution to local politics, Dr. Mitchell praised the former Prime Minister for sticking by Grenada's side during a political coup in 1983, in which its former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was assassinated.
"While there were some in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean and in the international community, who found reasons to support extremism before and during the crisis, and allowing ideology to take precedent over the welfare of the Grenadian man, woman and child, I'm happy to say it was not so for Eddie Seaga," the Grenadian Prime Minister said.
Mr. Seaga, who turned 75 yesterday, resigned as West Kingston Member of Parliament and Opposition Leader in January this year.
"Eddie stood firmly for what he believed in and did not even flinch in the face of strong opposition," Dr. Mitchell added. "He was motivated and guided by his strong commitment to democracy, human rights and a free market system."
For his part, Opposition and Jamaica Party Leader Bruce Golding, thanked Mr. Seaga for stepping up to the plate in the past when Jamaica required what he termed his "no-nonsense and visionary" leadership.
"His vision was always crafted in what was doable and it was always accompanied by practical steps to do it," he said. "His was a vision not driven by his confidence in himself but by his abiding faith in the Jamaican people."
According to the Opposition Leader, Mr. Seaga has left "an enormous challenge" for future leaders to help reduce or eradicate unemployment, poverty, inequality and injustice.
"Over all the years I've known him, he's always had a deep respect for those, especially our women, who managed to survive on so little. He saw in their energy and ingenuity, the power and capacity to achieve to make a
better life for themselves," said Mr. Golding.
Congratulations also came from former United States President George H. Bush. It was read by Frank Fahrenkopf, former chairman of the U.S. Republican Party.
Meanwhile, Mr. Seaga received several gifts, including a cabinet filled with the Laws of Jamaica which the JLP presented to him.
International Jamaican singer Jimmy Cliff presented the former Opposition Leader with a guitar he used to pen his hit song Rebel In Me, while international Model Nadine Willis in absentia, sent him a plaque.
Byron Lee of the group Bryon Lee and the Dragonaires, gave Mr. Seaga a copy of the group's 1959 album Dumplings, which Mr. Seaga produced.
Overcome with emotion Mr. Seaga thanked the several Government ministers who attended the banquet: "I want to pause to say that without your presence here tonight, this would not have been a fulfilling evening here for me," he said.
He added he wished to see Jamaican entertainers given more chances to become superstars.
His comments came after noted entertainers Ken Boothe, Carlene Davis, and the Strachan sisters, among others, gave electrifying performances.
"It makes me weep to know that only some will get the opportunity to go to the top, when all deserve to be there," he stated.
In a reply filled with satire, the former opposition leader called on the Government to implement a fixed exchange rate, pay more attention to early childhood education, and merge the army and the police force to help fight crime.
