A legendary businessman

TODAY, WE honour and remember the life of Montego Bay mogul, Mr Antony Hart, otherwise called Tony Hart. As custos, on behalf of the justices of the peace and the citizens of St James, I express condolences to his dear wife, children and extended family. Today, we join with the family members to share in their loss and grief.

We deeply regret the passing of this giant of a man. This legendary businessman is credited for the development of the Montego Bay Freeport, which came into being in the late 1960s and is now the business hub in St James.

Mr Hart was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his contribution to nationbuilding, and served in leadership roles in the public and private sectors, including at the Montego Freeport Limited, Apparel Handlers, Caymanas Track Limited, chairman, Samuel Hart and Son, Coconut Industry Board, Montego Bay Yacht Club, Records Limited, and Federal Records Limited. He was also the first Montegonian to be inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame.

He was professional, commercially astute and very hard-working. He was an “exemplary businessman” with great support from his family, but had time for others. Jamaica has lost another patriot who has served not just our parish, but our country with distinction.

Mr Hart also served as justice of the peace for many years, which, as custos of St James, it was a pleasure knowing him. During his tenure as a justice of the peace, he also displayed a high standard of professionalism in carrying out his responsibilities to the citizens.