KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Wolmer’s Trust and the entire Wolmer’s family have expressed sadness at the passing of late singer, actor, activist Harry Belafonte.

Belafonte died at his home in Manhattan, New York on Tuesday at age 96. He had been ailing for some time.

“Harry Belafonte’s gifts as an actor and singer were prodigious, and as an artiste his talent earned him international recognition, respect, fame and fortune. However, his true passion was the welfare of humanity, particularly the liberation, upliftment and advancement of his own people. He risked and sacrificed much when he joined the leadership of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, becoming an outspoken critic of racial injustice. He stood firmly in solidarity with the international Anti-Apartheid movement, generously lending his persuasive voice and immense talent to the struggle for the independence of Africa, its people and the African Diaspora,” Wolmer’s Trust chairman, Milton J Samuda, said in a release on Tuesday.

“A warrior and activist to the end, Wolmer’s and Jamaica are justly proud of this son, who having received light and became a beacon for so many. A life has gone from this mortal world but the inspired thoughts and voice of this icon continue to illuminate the global village,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Jamaican Government is to recognise Belafonte by naming a section of the North Coast Highway in his honour. Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

“The Government of Jamaica considered how we should recognise this icon and we concluded that we would name a highway in his honour,” said Holness.

“We approved the naming of a section of the North Coast Highway from Priory to Salem in St Ann in honour of Harry Belafonte…that segment will be renamed the Harry Belafonte Highway,” Holness added.

READ: Section of North Coast Highway to be named in honour of Harry Belafonte – Holness

In addition, reaction poured in from heads of state, civil-rights leaders and the entertainment world such as President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, former US President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey among others.

READ: Harry Belafonte mourned by entertainment world, Biden, Obama