Seaga, JCC, PNP hail Dudley Thompson

Monday, January 23, 2012

POLITICAL and business leaders continued paying tribute to Ambassador Dudley Thompson on the weekend, recalling his deep involvement in Pan-African issues and hailing him for his intellect.

Thompson died in New York last Friday of a heart attack. He was 95.

Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, who contested the Kingston Western constituency against Thompson in the 1962 and 1967 general elections described Thompson as "the foremost Pan-Africanist in Jamaica" who "involved himself in African affairs for the betterment of the future of the continent, as well as to keep Africa alive in the minds and interest of the multitude of Jamaican people of African origin".

Both of these missions, Seaga said, were essential to our deeper understanding of a more Afro-centric Jamaica through the roots Thompson planted and the fruits they have borne.

Seaga also recalled the election contests, noting that the 1962 poll was the first for himself and Thompson.

"The contest, which I won, was based on my understanding of Jamaican folk life; his on the understanding of Africa. He dubbed himself 'The Burning Spear' after Jomo Kenyata, the liberator of Kenya who he helped to defend in court," Seaga said.

"The contest turned violent when he resumed his challenge in the general election of 1967. But one of the most important outcomes was that Dudley and myself thereafter developed a very pleasant personal friendship which extended throughout the rest of his life," Seaga said.

"While we did not meet frequently, when we met it was in friendship. He was accustomed, when he travelled, to bring back a little gift for my wife, a token which we appreciated. At times, as minister of national security, he would call me to visit trouble spots in West Kingston together when there was an outbreak of violence. This was naturally satisfying to us both."

Seaga acknowledged that this portrayal of Thompson "as a man with a personal touch is possibly quite different from his general disposition".

However, he said he depicted it "as a prime example of those periods in our development which have proven that in politics bitterness can be replaced by betterment through friendship".

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, in its tribute, described Thompson as one of Jamaica's most accomplished sons.

"Notwithstanding the fact that he was born in Panama, our nation's history is all the richer through the contributions that he made in the name of his adopted country," the Chamber said.

The JCC said that while many people will remember Thompson primarily as an outstanding and articulate scholar, fearless and erudite lawyer and Queen's Counsel, and for his long and at times controversial involvement in Jamaican politics, arguably, his legacy will be his early-developed and sustained commitment to the Pan-Africanist ethos.

"As one of the intellectual pillars of that movement, he rubbed shoulders and traded thoughts and strategies with a generation of visionaries that included many of the future leaders of independence movements in Africa and the Caribbean," the JCC said.

"As these countries emerged, he contributed decades to their growth and development, in the process impacting the lives of untold numbers in both regions. It was only fitting therefore, that the African press in Ghana designated him a 'Living Legend of Africa" and that the Organisation of African Unity should award him a medal as a 'Legend Of Africa' -- among his most treasured of the many accolades he received in a lifetime of service."

The JCC said it was difficult to imagine today, that a philosophy that had at its core the right to self-determination, a demand for respect for the history and culture of Africa, and a recognition of the beauty of its people, could have been adjudged controversial, particularly in a nation and a region whose peoples are, in the majority, so inextricably linked to Africa.

"As his personal motto -- 'Live and Let Live. All men are made in the image of God' -- affirms, Dudley Thompson saw the scope for greatness in all, even those whose history and achievements were belittled for generations. The very fact that the Caribbean region's African roots are today a source of pride is due to the work of outstanding servants such as Dudley Thompson," the JCC said.

"In this year, as Jamaica celebrates the 50th anniversary of Independence, it is fitting that we acknowledge and praise the unyielding zeal that informed his conviction that Africa and its diaspora could be a force to be reckoned with in the international community. That future remains a work in progress, but the foundations are becoming more and more secure," the Chamber added.

"He dedicated his great intellect to the service of his people, and to his death remained a proud Jamaican and an unrepentant Pan-Africanist," the JCC said and extended condolence to Thompson's wife Cecile and his children, grandchildren, great-grand children and the other members of his family.

The People's National Party (PNP), which Thompson served as member and government minister, said that in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the party, Thompson was made a life member some years ago.

"Dudley Thompson's vast intellect, gift of persuasion and his passion for social justice and equality found comfort in the PNP, especially at the time when the party, under the leadership of former President and Prime Minister Michael Manley sought to bring ordinary Jamaicans into the centre of government and governance," the PNP said.

"He was also one of the party's principal architects then, to advance its progressive internationalist foreign policy, in the effort to address the economic inequalities which existed between developing and developed countries," the PNP added.

It noted that Thompson gave selfless service in the public sector, epitomised by his appointment as an ambassador who served Jamaica with distinction.

"It was during this time, and especially when he served as Jamaica's ambassador to Nigeria, that he sought, in keeping with his growing belief in Pan-Africanism, to strengthen and deepen the relationship between Jamaica and other African countries," the PNP said.

The party said it was "deeply honoured" to have had a comrade like Thompson among its ranks, and extended condolence to his wife, children and other members of his family.

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Seaga, JCC, PNP hail Dudley Thompson