KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange said with the passing of Headley Jones, Jamaica has lost a great son, who was “a wonder man”.

“I say that he was a ‘wonder man’ not just because of his long life but also because of the varied and illustrious accomplishments that he packed into his 99 years.”

The minister, in a statement this afternoon, noted that Jones has been listed as a musician, audio engineer, trade unionist and writer, “But of all of his contributions, Mr Jones’ impact on our music must be counted as the greatest part of his legacy. It has to be so when you consider that he played music as well as made musical instruments. He played the cello as a child and as an adult was an accomplished guitarist who made guitars.”

Grange said it must be remembered he further supported the music industry with his invention of the first sound system along with his manufacture of sound amplifiers.

“The versatility of the man was also demonstrated by his building of the first set of traffic lights in Jamaica a feat no doubt assisted by his experience as radar engineer in World War Two.

“The National Honours conferred on him, his Gold Musgrave Medals Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association are more than deserving for a man who gave so much to his country.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I express heartfelt sympathy to his family, relatives and colleagues in the music fraternity.

“He may have left us after his superlative innings but what Headley Jones was and left behind will forever be with us.”

Headley Jones died on Friday, September 1.