IN life Oswald Gaskell Harding was often described as a “politician and a gentleman”, a title not readily bestowed on many in that field.

In death he has been lionized as an outstanding Jamaican who served the country well.

As attorney general, Harding signed the execution warrant for the last death sentence carried out in Jamaica in 1988 but was one of the strongest critics of the death penalty.

As news broke of Harding’s death Wednesday night at 90 years old, tributes came from many who remembered his service in several areas of the Jamaican society.

Leading the tributes was Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who described Harding as one of Jamaica’s most distinguished legal minds, parliamentarian, politician, academic, and public servant.

“Ossie, as we all affectionately call him, devoted decades of his life to strengthening the institutions of our democracy. As the longest-serving senator in Jamaica’s history and the first person to serve two non-consecutive terms as president of the Senate, he distinguished himself through his wisdom, fairness and unwavering commitment to parliamentary democracy.

“His stewardship of the Senate was characterised by dignity, impartiality and an abiding respect for the rule of law. Throughout an exemplary career that also saw him serve as attorney general and minister of justice, he brought exceptional legal scholarship, sound judgement and integrity to every office he held. His contribution to the development of Jamaica’s constitutional and democratic traditions will endure for generations,” said Holness.

He noted that Harding was a lifelong member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) who held many offices, including being a trustee of the party and contested parliamentary seats on behalf of the party.

Holness also pointed to Harding’s work in later years as an academic and administrator, helping to establish the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology. Harding later served as dean of the department.

“Oswald Harding believed deeply in public service and the responsibility of leadership. His life stands as an enduring example of service anchored in honour, humility and excellence,” said Holness as he expressed condolence to “his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, colleagues, former parliamentary colleagues, and the many Jamaicans whose lives were touched by his remarkable service”.

JLP Deputy Leader Desmond McKenzie said Harding gave yeoman service to the party while also serving Jamaica across several sectors.

“He was deeply committed to nation-building and genuinely believed in giving priority to initiatives that were in Jamaica’s best interest. We hail his contribution as being impactful, significant and worthy of emulation.

“Ossie’s public service, given over many decades, no doubt required tremendous sacrifice,” added McKenzie who described Harding as, “a great Jamaican”.

Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson pointed out that he served as deputy president to the Senate during Harding’s term from 2007 to 2011.

“His contributions to the development of the democratic processes in the Senate and the commitment to the rule of law will long be remembered. The Jamaica Labour Party caucus, and I’m sure that I can speak for all the members of the Senate, certainly send their condolences to his family and wish them God’s strength during this difficult time,” said Tavares-Finson.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness described Harding as a distinguished legal mind, parliamentarian, academic, politician, and devoted public servant.

“Throughout his remarkable career, he brought wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of justice, democratic governance, and public service.

“His commitment to public service also extended to St Andrew East Rural, where he served as the Jamaica Labour Party’s caretaker, earning the respect and admiration of many through his dedication to the constituency,” said Holness.

“His passing marks the loss of a remarkable Jamaican whose legacy will continue to live on through the institutions he helped strengthen, the students and colleagues he mentored, and the countless lives he touched throughout his lifetime of service,” she added.

Meanwhile the Opposition People’s National Party, in a media release, said through his work in Parliament and the legal profession, Harding contributed to the nation’s democratic and legal institutions.

“His passing marks the end of a long career in public life and national service. The People’s National Party extends its sincere sympathies to his loved ones and all those mourning his loss, while recognising his contribution to Jamaica through his years of public service,” said the party.

In the meantime businessman and historian Wayne Chen noted that Harding grew up on Oxford Street in western Kingston and attended Kingston College.

“He earned a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and studied at the University of London before qualifying as a lawyer. Later, after leaving politics, he obtained a PhD in philosophy from The University of the West Indies, Mona,” noted Chen.

He recalled that Harding was appointed to the Senate in 1977 and served continuously until 2002, the longest such tenure on record.

Harding also became the first person to serve two non-consecutive terms as president of the Senate (1980-1984 and 2007-2011).

He also he served as leader of Opposition Business in the Senate.

Chen noted that Harding contested House of Representatives seats unsuccessfully in 1976, 1993, and 1997.