Hats off to Edward Seaga
SPANISH COURT Hotel’s Valencia MLT was the elegant location, as the Consular Corps of Jamaica hosted a black-tie dinner reception to honour a political stalwart, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, and provide support to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.
As the women in beautiful dresses and men in sharp suits made their way to the ballroom, they took time out to pay respect to the 86-year-old Seaga, who was dressed in a classic tuxedo, his wife Carla and daughter Gabrielle by his side. After a mouth-watering meal and the musical selections of Andre Shepherd, Seaga’s niece, Rebecca Tortello-Greenland, took to the stage to share a picture presentation that highlighted Seaga’s work in Jamaica and admirers’ views on his many projects.
MAN OF UNPARALLELED SUCCESS
Later, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith introduced the man of the hour. “He is a man of unparalleled success and was able to stay the course, even through criticism. He was not a popularity seeker as he did not take the low road of leadership, he always took the high road, even if it carried criticism,” she emphasised.
Though Seaga may have been slowed by age, his keen sense – in conversation and deftness in recalling his storied life – left patrons in awe. He shared his memories of Jamaica’s role in preventing the spread of communism in the Caribbean and his many experiences as a visionary. Seaga was then awarded with the diplomatic association’s inaugural Global Achievement Award. The Bustamante Hospital for Children was presented with an Edward Seaga plaque. The night continued in celebration.