PNP stalwart Norman Washington Wiggan laid to rest
FALMOUTH, Trelawny — An emotional Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller broke down in tears as she bid, final farewell to devoted People’s National Party stalwart Norman Washington Wiggan, at the William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church last Saturday.
“His support has never waned. He loved me as I loved him dearly. He stood up for what he believed. I salute your memory,” a tearful Simpson Miller expressed, “Condolences to his wife, children and the rest of his family. Thank you for sharing him with the People National’s Party. I miss him deeply.”
The prime minister headed the scores of mourners from all walks of life, including a host of Cabinet members and key party functionaries who turned out to bid a final farewell to the outspoken but well-liked Wiggan.
A large number of the mourners could not find seating in the historic place of worship and had to be accommodated in a tent set up on the premises and across the road inside the education centre, also owned and operated by the church, where a live feed of the memorial service was streamed.
During the many tributes, Wiggan was also hailed as a family man, devoted church member, ardent community and social worker.
The late field officer at the National Council of Drug Abuse served in various capacities, including board member of the Western Regional Health Authority, columnist, assistant talk show host and frequent caller to talk-shows and other radio programmes.
Wiggan’s unflinching devotion to the work of God was eloquently narrated by his fellow deacon of the William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church, Lorna Jackson, who read the eulogy.
“Anyone who ever saw him dance to ‘He is a Miracle-Working God’ or listen to his intercessory prayers, knew how solid his Christian conviction was. One of his famous quotations was God is still working on me,” Jackson said.
“When he was told to take it easy and slow down, his mantra was; “I must work while it is day, because the night cometh when no man can work.”
Wiggan who was noted for his passion for young people and education, was said to be jovial and compassionate during his life which lasted between November 16, 1962 and March 13, 2013.