Gov’t, Opposition hail Clive Peck
THE GOVERNMENT and the parliamentary Opposition yesterday lauded the work of Clive Peck, the Jamaican man who was one of two United Nations (UN) peacekeepers killed in a bomb blast in Libya on the weekend.
Jamaica Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said Peck served the UN with distinction and devoted his life to a mission of aiding the Libyan people in the midst of one of the most severe conflicts and humanitarian crises in the world.
“It is indeed a sad moment, but we take pride in his courage and service”, Johnson Smith told The Gleaner.
She revealed, too, that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterras had attested to “Mr Peck’s courage, service, and dedication to the goals of the United Nations”.
“The tragic loss of Mr Peck is acutely felt by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Government of Jamaica in its entirety,” Johnson Smith said.
She disclosed that she had spoken personally to Peck’s wife, Lelieth, and conveyed sympathies on behalf of her ministry and the entire government.
Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips described Peck as a Jamaican who was committed to the global mission of peace and service to humanity.
“I pray God’s comfort for his family, friends, and colleagues,” Phillips said in a statement.
Lisa Hanna, opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs, suggested that Peck and the other UN peacekeepers who were killed be always remembered.
“They were there seeking peace in the world,” Hanna said.
“It’s really, really tragic that one of our nationals suffered this way, especially in keeping with what he was doing at that particular time – trying to keep the peace,”she added.
But the Opposition spokesperson said she was proud that a Jamaican was seeking to achieve peace across the world “and I hope that gives the family some comfort in this devastating time that we all face”.