The Government of Jamaica yesterday paid tribute to the late Brian George, hailing his legacy in the development of Jamaica’s economy and the private sector.

George, who was president and CEO of Supreme Ventures Limited, chairman of the Jamaica Gaming Association, and deputy chairman of the National Health Fund, passed away yesterday morning after a period of illness. He was 59.

“It would be difficult to enumerate all of the contributions Brian made to Jamaica and our people,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “Through various initiatives led by him, Supreme Ventures has become known for not only its lottery business, but also its deep belief in community development. Under Brian, the company became a standard for good corporate citizenship.”

Holness also described George, a native of Trinidad & Tobago, as a true believer in Jamaica, and said the Government and the people of Jamaica were truly saddened by his death. He also expressed condolences to his wife Keneea Linton-George, his sons Michael and Christopher, and his friends and family.

“Brian’s legacy will be cherished by all who he touched and impacted with his selflessness and dedication to Jamaica,” said Holness.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller hailed George as an “integral and valuable part of the Jamaican business community” who exhibited “outstanding marketing and management skills”, which she said helped to propel Supreme Ventures to the position of being a major and successful business.

“He was instrumental in the growth of the gaming industry in Jamaica and spearheaded initiatives to utilise the proceeds of the industry for social and economic development of our country,” Simpson Miller said.

“Brian George will be sadly missed for his enterprising mind, his managerial attributes, and extraordinary business acumen. He will also be remembered for his pleasant personality and commitment to the development of Jamaica and the Caribbean region,” she continued.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange also issued a statement hailing George’s commitment to Jamaica.

“Brian was personally committed to Jamaica’s development,” she said.

“[He] was a proud Trinidadian and also a great friend of Jamaica. He offered such outstanding support to Jamaican sports, culture, and other critical areas of national development, over the years, not only through the lottery company which he so ably led.

“His passing today is both a shock and a blow. We will miss him dearly,” said Grange.

In addition to the boards already mentioned, George served as a board member of the CHASE Fund, chairman of the Port Security Corps, and director of the Development Bank of Jamaica Limited.