Dear Editor,

History has recorded the many works of Edward Phillip George Seaga. Many of our people are now benefiting handsomely from the many institutions Seaga established for the growth and prosperity of our nation. But as it is often said, “A king has no honour in his country.”

Seaga focused on how he could improve the lives of many impoverished young people who have potential but lack the needed help to crawl out of poverty.

Why then wait until a good person dies to honour that person for his or her sterling work as a hero or heroine?

Whatever the criteria for being ‘enthroned’ as hero, Edward Seaga has far outweighed that qualification.

It was only after the death of Edward Seaga that many of our Jamaican people were made aware of the sterling contribution he has made to the building of our country. I can only name a few; the first being Things Jamaican, 1961; HEART Trust/NTA, 1982; Students’ Loan Bureau, 1969; Social Development Commission, Jamaica Stock Exchange, Jampro, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Montego Bay Free Zone, and many others. He also opened Mandela Park and saw to the transformation of Devon House into the refine, tranquil space we now enjoy.

As one searches the pages of history and views the accolades left behind by Seaga, some of the other achievements include Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive High School (1969) as well as Denham Town Primary and Denham Town High School. The Chin Loy Maternity Centre in Tivoli Gardens and Tivoli Gardens High School were carved out of the May Pen cemetery and the latter became the first comprehensive school in the Caribbean.

Seaga’s legacy has more than enough valid reasons to name him a national hero.

I implore all Jamaicans to set aside their political biases and to give a great man what is due to him, thereby honouring the Seaga family and Jamaicans by making Edward Phillip George Seaga a national hero.

Alrick Davis

alrico_dee@yahoo.com