KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) is today mourning the death of party stalwart and former Tourism Minister, Ambassador Frank Pringle.

According to PNP President Dr Peter Phillips, Pringle “was a distinguished Jamaican who served his country well through his outstanding career which included stints in the military, where he served both locally and overseas”.

Phillips noted that Pringle’s long history of service to Jamaica dates back to 1953 when he was Aide de Camp to Governor Sir Hugh MacIntosh Foot.

Pringle also served in other sectors such as agriculture and diplomacy where he achieved significant successes in promoting the Jamaican brand to the rest of the world, the party said in a statement.

“Perhaps the defining feature of Frank Pringle’s contribution as a public servant was that despite being born into a family of substantial privilege, he devoted himself to the national movement and struggle of the Jamaican masses, which started with his association with Jamaica’s Independence movement. He was one of the early pioneers in the struggle with Norman Manley and subsequently teamed up with Michael Manley to advance the cause of democratic socialism and self-reliance,” Phillips noted.

“He was always committed to the upliftment of the Jamaican people. Under Michael Manley he served as Minister of Tourism (1989- 1992). “

Phillips added that as tourism minister, Pringle was passionate about the development of the product and lobbied for its creative industries such as presenting the country’s craft and entertainment to our visitors as he believed that the “Jamaicaness” of the visitor’s experience would add richness to their vacation and stopover.

“His purpose was never about himself; the improvement of the quality of life of the Jamaican people was his cause. Jamaican owes him significant gratitude for his dedicated national service,” said Phillips.