Edward Seaga
FIFTH PRIME MINISTER:
November 4, 1980 – February 13, 1989
LEGACY:
Local constituency organization and national cultural development are two areas of particular achievement for Edward Seaga. For forty years he has been successful in a constituency that no other politician was able to hold for more than five years. His transformation of depressed inner-city areas within his West Kingston constituency, into vibrant communities, makes him the unrivalled king of constituency transformation in Jamaica. Culturally, he has been the nation’s leading pioneer of ideas and institutions to promote culture, nationally and internationally.
PERSONALITY:
A serious and sharp thinker, witty and gifted in producing the apt, cutting phrase. Despite a dour look most times, he has a great sense of humour and is known widely for his exceptional deeds of kindness and rendering of practical assistance to the poor and needy.
EDUCATION:
Wolmer’s Boys School, in Jamaica, and in the USA, Harvard University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in the Social Sciences.
SERVICE:
Long and impressive record of important and innovative accomplishments, beginning formally with his nomination to the Legislative Council when 29 years old, the youngest person ever to hold that membership. He has been Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party since 1974. He became Prime Minister in 1980 and held office for two successive terms. Since 1989 he has been Leader of the Opposition and as such a force to be reckoned with at every turn.
AUTHORSHIP:
Booklets – Parent Teacher Relationship, Development of the Child, and, Revival Cults. Also compiler of an album of music – Folk Music of Jamaica – recorded by Ethnic Folkways Library
BORN:
May 28, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts, of Jamaican parents travelling then, and brought home when three months old.
PARENTS:
Phillip George Seaga and Erna nee Maxwell
MARRIED:
Marie Elizabeth ‘Mitzie’ nee Constantine, 1965
Karla Frances nee Vendryes, 1996
CHILDREN:
Christopher, Andrew, Anabella, Gabrielle