ALERT government officials and recipients of national awards knew that there was something ominous when Francis ‘Paco’ Kennedy’s wife Marjorie had to receive his honour in his place at King’s House on Monday.

The joy of the national honour failed to mask the sadness which Mrs Kennedy bore as she accepted the Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD) from Governor General Patrick Allen on behalf of her ailing husband.

But Francis Kennedy, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) had no time to bask in the glory of the award which symbolised the invaluable contribution he had made to his country in the areas of business and voluntary services .

The retired executive of GraceKennedy died early yesterday of heart failure at Aventura Hospital in Florida, United States, where he had gone for treatment after undergoing surgery in Jamaica. He was 74.

News of his passing immediately roused sympathy across the nation. The business and political worlds paused to pay homage to the business icon who was described as a “nation builder” and hailed for his “leadership role in driving commerce and business” in Jamaica over the last 30 years.

“He passed peacefully surrounded by his immediate family,” a close friend told the Jamaica Observer. His wife was still in Florida at Observer press time and could not be reached for comment.

Prime Minister Portia Smipson Miller said that Kennedy’s passing “has taken from us a giant in the field of commerce and business in Jamaica”.

“Mr Kennedy must also be recognised for his years of contribution to the efforts to revitalise downtown Kingston. He was a passionate believer in the Kingston market district and he, along with others, has been working tirelessly to make this a reality. Paco was also integral to the Partnership for Jamaica agreement,” said the prime minister who noted that Kennedy was born with manufacturing in his blood, being a descendant of the founders of the popular GraceKennedy Company.

“In all his undertakings he served with exemplary dedication and humility and he never, in all the years that I have I known him, complained or protested when called upon to be of public service,” Simpson Miller said. “It was with this in mind that the Government this year, decided to recognise his inestimable contribution to national development by way of a national award.”

The prime minister extended on behalf of the Government “deepest sympathies to his family, especially his dear wife Marjorie, daughter Catherine and son Charles, whom we all have in our prayers at this time”.

Opposition Leader Andrew Holness said: “Paco was a national builder. His innovative thinking and visionary approach to business has seen the employment of thousands of Jamaicans through Grace Kennedy. We are particularly impressed by his efforts to rebuild downtown Kingston and his leadership in the private sector.

“In my interactions with him over the years, I was always impressed with his passion to see the development of Jamaica. This passion is an essential lesson for all of us, who are interested in seeing Jamaica turn the economic and social corner”.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton said: “It is with profound sadness and wonderful memories that I mark the passing of Francis ‘Paco’ Kennedy, a stalwart who tirelessly served our business sector and our Island, Jamaica…I have had the privilege of working closely with him, especially more recently, as he was an early advocate of Jamaica’s Global Logistics Hub Initiative and saw the transformational effect it will have on Jamaican industry and our people.

“…His presence was always a strong reminder of public and private co-operation and the need for nation building. This was the sort of man Paco was, a patriot and always the advocate for moving the nation forward. This is indeed a time of reflection on a life that has enriched our own and will be sorely missed,” Hylton said.

Immediate JCC Past President Milton Samuda, said in a press release that Jamaica had lost yet another valued son.

“Paco never allowed his many achievements to rob him of the ability to be human and humane. He remained affable and mischievous and relished a good laugh,” added Samuda, who is chairman of the board of directors at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro).

He described Kennedy as “an exemplary family man, respected businessman, strategic business leader, philanthropist, patriot and solid friend”.

Christopher Zacca, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), expressed sadness on behalf of the PSOJ, saying: “Paco has been a significant figure in the private sector over the years…He has also worked closely with us at the PSOJ, helping to build consensus within the private sector, and supported the vision of the entire private sector working as one. He was a true Jamaican patriot, who contributed significantly to the building of the private sector, and we truly regret the news of his passing.”

Kennedy, a past student of Harvard Business School, Campion College, and St George’s College, was recently re-elected JCC president. He served GraceKennedy just under 46 years. But his service to Jamaica covered a wide sphere from the shipping industry, through commerce and the private sector, to education. He served several other businesses, civic and charitable organisations with dedication, selflessness and distinction.

The governing People’s National Party (PNP) and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party also reacted to news of his passing.

“Paco was passionate about the redevelopment of downtown Kingston and played an active role in a number of outreach activities in the communities in downtown Kingston,” PNP Deputy General Secretary Julian Robinson said in a release on behalf of the party. “We salute him for the leadership role he played in driving commerce and business in Jamaica over the last 30 years. Our prayers and our love remain with his family and friends.”

Opposition Spokesman on Industry, Investment, Commerce, Energy and Mining, Karl Samuda, described Kennedy’s death as “a tremendous loss to the business community”. He said Kennedy was a “source of inspiration to many”.

“Francis Kennedy easily ranks among those Jamaicans who believe in this country and are prepared to go beyond the call of duty to overcome the challenges that confront our economy at this time,” Samuda said, adding that it was “most fitting” that the country on Heroes Day had recognised and awarded Kennedy with a national award for his contribution to the nation while he was yet alive.

Similar sentiments were also expressed by members of the Jamaica Civil Society Coalition (JCSC).

“In addition to being a stalwart of the business community, Paco Kennedy was a founding member of the JCSC,” said Carol Narcisse, board member. She noted that the JCSC had benefited greatly from Kennedy’s contributions.

“Paco Kennedy was a committed Jamaican. He believed strongly in the responsibility of citizens for shaping the society and he worked without ceasing for a better Jamaica,” Narcisse added.

Kennedy is survived by his wife, children, Catherine and Charles and other relatives.