JUSTICE Minister Senator Mark Golding has expressed sadness at the passing of Emil George, QC, wishing his family strength and courage in their bereavement.

“Emil George was a gentleman of the highest integrity and intellectual breadth. He read widely, and his interests went beyond law to encompass history, literature and political economy. As a practitioner, his sharp wit could be withering to less able opponents, but such was his generosity of spirit that he enjoyed the respect and admiration of even those who could not match his prodigious oratorical prowess,” Golding said.

He aid that George’s sharp intellect, wisdom and valuable experience became much sought after, resulting on his serving for lengthy periods on the boards of some of Jamaica’s strongest companies, including J. Wray & Nephew, Jamaica Producers, CIBC, and Metal Box, often as chairman.

George, originally from Dominica where he was an island scholar, came to Jamaica early in his career, after graduating with first class honours from Oxford University and being called to the English Bar. He quickly rose in the legal profession, acting as legal counsel to the Jamaica Industrial Development Corporation during one of its most active periods, and went on to become a leader of the Bar in the areas of industrial relations and commercial litigation.