KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is mourning the passing of Patrick Rousseau, while celebrating his contribution to the nation with over fifty years of public service to law, sport, the bauxite industry and politics.

PNP President Dr Peter Phillips, in a tribute this afternoon, said Rousseau is a fine example of the contribution by young Jamaican professionals, who set out in the post-independence era to build the new nation. His outstanding contribution to law was best displayed at the firm Myers, Fletcher and Gordon, where he became a senior partner

“He gave selflessly of his professional time and expertise to so many national institutions, at a time when Jamaica developed a cadre of high quality professionals to replace foreign nationals,” Dr Phillips said.

The PNP noted that Rousseau will be best remembered as a member of Jamaica’s bauxite negotiating team set up the then Prime Minister Michael Manley, to secure better terms for Jamaica in the bauxite industry which led to the establishment of the Bauxite Production Levy.

The PNP president said his negotiating acumen was legendary and together with Mayer Matalon, Dr Carlton Davis and Dr Vincent Lawrence ensured better returns for Jamaica and changed forever the “shilling a ton” arrangements which had characterised Jamaica’s bauxite receipts. For their work, they were all recognised by being awarded the Order of Jamaica.

Dr Phillips said Rousseau’s passing robs Jamaica of a formidable mind who served equally administrations of both the PNP and Jamaica Labour Party, including as chairman of the then Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation during turbulent years.

He also noted Rousseau’s service as president of the West Indies Cricket Board and his role in getting Cricket World Cup hosted in the Caribbean in 2007.

Dr Phillips urged Rousseau’s family and friends to take comfort in the fact that his contribution to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean was colossal, visionary and long lasting.