Bishop of Montego Bay, Charles H. Dufour, blesses the coffin bearing the body of George Phillip before it is carried into the Church of St. Margaret, Liguanea, St. Andrew, for a thanksgiving service yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

BORN IN Grenada to Barbadian parents, George Phillip was raised in Trinidad and Tobago but contributed immensely to commerce in Jamaica, his adopted home. He was truly a Caribbean man.

Yesterday, during the thanksgiving service for his life at the St. Margaret's Church in Liguanea, St. Andrew, those who knew Dr. Phillip recalled the industrial relations specialist's love for life and things Caribbean - whether it was watching the West Indies cricket team or jumping Carnival.

Dr. Phillip died March 31 at his home after an eight-year fight with prostate cancer. He was 69 years old.

Ken Gordon, respected Trinidadian businessman and president of the West Indies Cricket Board, knew Dr. Phillip for over 50 years. He said his friend made a mark wherever he went.

"Whether it was Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, England or Jamaica, George left behind him a consistent trail of warmth, friendliness and love," Mr. Gordon said. "To know George was to love George."

Member of Parliament and former Health Minister, John Junor, fondly remembered the many trips he and Dr. Phillip made to Trinidad Carnival.

While he loved a good time, Mr. Junor stated that Dr. Phillip was a perfectionist when it came to business.

"Not surprising that his book is titled A-Z of Industrial Relations Practices, George was an A-Z man," Mr. Junor said. "He felt passionately about his contribution to those less fortunate."

A man of presence

Businessman Garth Moodie, one of Dr. Phillip's best friends, hailed him as a man of presence. "When George walked into a room everyone took notice with a capital N," said Mr. Moodie.

George Phillip made a mark in the local business sector shortly after he arrived here in 1970. He was integral to the development of the Montego Freeport, the Jamaica Employers' Federation and was a key member of GraceKennedy Limited's executive for several years.

At the time of his death, Dr. Phillip was a member of the board at Appliance Traders Limited and Sandals Resorts International. He is survived by wife Janet and daughters Alicia and Ky-Ann.

howard.campbell@gleanerjm.com