KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller today described Mohammad Ali as “inspiration to the world”.

In a statement to the media on the legendary boxer’s passing, Simpson Miller said his passing presents a moment of reflection on a life lived with “great intensity and passion”.

“Today we celebrate the life of Mohammad Ali, the legendary boxer and humanitarian. His life was about more than boxing. His was a life of purpose and conviction. He was, is, and forever will be, an inspiration to the world,” Simpson Miller said.

The Opposition leader recounted how Ali, in responding to a question about how he wanted to be remembered, once said:“I’d like them to say he took a few cups of love. He took one tablespoon of patience; One tablespoon, teaspoon of generosity; One pint of kindness. He took one quart of laughter; One pinch of concern. And then he mixed willingness with happiness. He added lots of faith. And he stirred it up well. Then he spread it over a span of a lifetime. And he served it to each and every deserving person he met.”

Simpson Miller said Ali taught those bedevilled by self-doubt to believe in themselves and to reach for the greatness within.

According to Simpson Miller, he said: “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

The Opposition leader said Ali refused to be defined by the world, as he noted: “I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”

“I join the world in mourning his death and thanking him for his life of greatness and inspiration. Rest in peace, legend,” Simpson Miller said.