Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has expressed sadness at the passing of Ambassador Donald Bancroft Rainford.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ambassador Rainford. He belonged to a generation of Jamaicans who helped to build and strengthen the nation’s institutions during the early period of Jamaica’s development as an independent nation. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as the many colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside him throughout his distinguished career,” Minister Johnson Smith said.

The minister said his appointment in 1976 as Jamaica’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Community marked an important chapter in his diplomatic career, during which he served with professionalism, dedication and a steadfast commitment to advancing Jamaica’s interests abroad.

Ambassador Rainford’s contribution to national development extended beyond diplomacy to other areas of public service and the private sector. He served as permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Justice and as chairman of the Public Service Commission of Jamaica.

He was also a prominent economist and business executive.

“A grateful nation remembers Ambassador Rainford with deep respect and appreciation for his indelible contribution to national development. His was a life of distinguished and loyal service to Jamaica. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that his service to country will be remembered with gratitude. May his soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him,” Minister Johnson Smith said.