JAMAICANS are mourning the death of two outstanding citizens — Dr Delroy Gordon, executive director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and Fay Saunders, retired educator and former president of the Jamaica Teacher’s Association (JTA).

Gordon, 55, who reportedly complained of feeling ill over the last week, died in the Port Maria Hospital in St Mary where he was admitted overnight.

Dr Gordon’s long association with the JCDC dates back to 1977 when he won his first medal in the National Dance Competition while attending the Mount Angus All-Age School in St Mary. Ten years later, he joined the staff as a cultural organiser, giving 30 years of committed service to the JCDC, rising through the ranks to the post of executive director.

Saunders, who died yesterday at her residence in St Andrew after a long illness, was the first woman president and also the first president to have served for two terms in the JTA — 1968 and 1971.

She also served as a secretary seneral of the JTA from January 1975 – November, 1985.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who expressed shock and sadness at the sudden passing of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission head, described him as a visionary leader who contributed significantly to Jamaica’s cultural development.

“I offer my condolence to his immediate family during this very difficult period and join with the JCDC family in mourning his untimely passing”, said Prime Minister Holness.

“Dr Gordon’s work speaks for itself. He worked assiduously to promote our cultural heritage locally and internationally and his work will always be remembered and appreciated,” added Holness.

Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, in paying tribute to Gordon yesterday, said his passing leaves a void in the ‘cultural development’ sector.

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of a great member of our ministry’s family… He was an affable and capable man who was dedicated to cultural development and committed to the JCDC, which we know was one of the loves of his life. The other love was his family, whose grief we all share,” said Grange.

“I offer condolence to his immediate family and to his JCDC family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time,” she added.

Former culture minister Lisa Hanna said she was shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Gordon.

“This is devastating news. The country has lost a true patriot who was dedicated to high-quality service to our people. He was a gentle giant who got the job done selflessly, while commanding respect from everyone with whom he came in contact,” she said.

Hanna said that through Gordon’s efforts, working with the previous board the Government saved millions of dollars while maintaining high standards in culture. “Most notably was a cost reduction in the staging of our 2015 Grand Gala by over $20 million because everything was produced and implemented by the JCDC staff. We were pleased because for the first time in over 20 years the JCDC financials were not in the ‘red’, while giving the country high quality,” Hanna said.

“The Opposition and members of the previous board of commissioners thank him profusely for adding value to the cultural landscape of Jamaica, and his years of service to our people. We mourn his passing and extend condolence to his family, friends and staff of the JCDC,” added Hanna.

Meanwhile, the JTA said Saunders can be characterised as a trailblazer in many ways and can be best described as a phenomenal woman.

“She will be sadly missed and will remain as one of the JTA’s pioneer leaders at a time when females were not at the forefront of union leadership. May her soul find rest,” the JTA said in a release.

In a tribute to Saunders, Peter Phillips, the Opposition finance spokesman, said she brought exceptionally high standards and deep personal commitment to a life of public service and provides present and future generations with an example worthy of emulation.

Saunders had also served as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education for the People’s National Party Government.