Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Reporter
( LEFT )Celebrating with former Opposition Leader Edward Seaga (second left) are (from left) Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; Frank Fahrenkopf, former Chairman of the Republican Party in the United States; and Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Govenment and Sports.
( RIGHT )Belinda Hart (left), niece of Edward Seaga and mom Pamela, Seaga's sister, came to support Edward Seaga at the banquet.
FORMER OPPOSITION Leader and Distinguished Fellow at the University of the West Indies, The Most Hon. Edward Seaga, could not have asked for a more fitting farewell party than the testimonial banquet held in his honour last Friday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.
The black tie affair began by the somewhat humid hotel poolside with cocktails but when guests entered to cool ballroom, they were greeted by the black, green and gold monogramed backdrop and giant-sized posters depicting the life and times of the honoured guest.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
There were many tributes in word and song as well as toasts, starting with Dr. Edward Baugh who lauded Mr. Seaga's outstanding contribution to the history and development of the country and his integrity, decency and dedication to duty.
In attendance was the former chairman of the United States' Republican party, Frank Fahrenkopf, who read a message from former President George Bush and his wife former First Lady Barbara Bush. The letter said in part, "We respect you and your service to your country and we will never forget your hospitality."
Mr. Fahrenkopf who recalled that Mr. Seaga was the first foreign leader to be invited to visit the late President Ronald Reagan when he was elected, told the audience that he first met Mr. Seaga in the 1980s along with other world leaders, such as Margaret Thatcher and Helmut Kohl for whom the rest of the world has great respect.
Guest speaker, Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said he had been privileged to receive help from Mr. Seaga's Government in the 1980s when, "extremism was displayed and ideology took precidence over men, women and children. "Eddie did not flinch, he stood firmly for his beliefs and remained guided by his principles of democracy and freedom."
Opposition Leader Bruce Golding paid tribute to his predecessor's leadership, remarkable work in culture, his no-nonsense style and deep respect for women in particular who survive on so little.
But there were two highlights on a night of many memorable moments. The first was a video presentation and tribute in song by singer/songwriter Jimmy Cliff who was taken on his first overseas tour by Mr. Seaga. He fittingly presented the guitar on which he composed many of his hits to an obviously overwhelmed distinguished fellow.
The second high point of the night was Jamaica Labour Party's presentation of a bookcase filled with leather bound copies of all the laws of Jamaica.
In his reply, Mr. Seaga thanked all who had worked tirelessly to make his evening memorable and used the opportunity to restate his three wishes for Jamaica. These were a decrease in the high interest rates; fixing early childhood education and merging the army and police force as a way of solving the crime problem.
The night's rich feast of entertainment saw some of the best musical and dance talent, among them some who owe their early beginnings to Mr. Seaga's pioneering work in industry. Ken Boothe's medley of hits had everyone rocking. Anna and Samantha Strachan thrilled, Carlene Davis added a spiritual flavour, the Tivoli Gardens Dancers were spectacular and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires ended the night with party music.
