KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Mark Golding has paid tribute to Hugh Hart, describing him as a “brilliant lawyer” whose creative, solution-oriented mind made him stand out among his peers.

Hart, a distinguished attorney and former government minister who served in the Cabinet during the mid- to late-1980s, died on Thursday plunging the legal and political communities into mourning. He was 96.

READ: Former gov’t minister Hugh Hart dies; PM hails him for ‘distinguished service to Jamaica’

Recalling his time working with Hart, Golding said, “I had the great fortune to have joined him as a young lawyer at Hart Muirhead Fatta (HMF) in 1993, and benefited from witnessing first-hand his unequalled skills as a master deal negotiator and commercial drafter for the 34 years that we practised law together as partners.”

“Hugh lived an exciting, fast-paced and multifaceted life which spanned continents, and he was friends with numerous internationally recognised leaders in business and politics. There has been no other like him in the history of Jamaica,” he continued.

Despite their political differences, Golding emphasised that it never affected their deep friendship or professional collaboration.

“His passing leaves an immense void in the hearts of the partners of HMF, the law firm which he led as senior partner from its inception until well into his mid-90s,” he added.

The Opposition leader further extended his condolences to Hart’s children, Lorraine, Justin and Belinda, grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

“May his soul rest in peace and the light of the Lord perpetually shine upon him,” Golding said.