JNHT unveils monument to Hugh Lawson Shearer
May 27, 2009
The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) unveiled a monument in honour of Jamaica's third Prime Minister The Most Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer on Monday, May 18, 2009. The day would have been Mr. Shearer's 86th birthday and guests were reminded of that fact when saxophonist extra-ordinare Mr. Dean Fraser opened his musical tribute with two versions of 'Happy Birthday'.
The Monument to Mr. Shearer 'Tower of Stature', was designed by architect Paul Thorbourne and has two intersecting wings, widening as they rise, signifying Mr. Shearer's dual achievements as trade unionist and politician, while recalling his tall physical stature. The grooves at points along the monument identify his career landmarks. It was unveiled by Governor General Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Mr. Shearer's widow Mrs. Denise Eldemire-Shearer. They also laid floral tributes at the monument.
Guest speaker Prime Minister Bruce Golding said the monument will serve to inspire the young and future generations to want to know about Hugh Shearer.
"We owe it not just to Hugh Shearer, not just for his life and his works, we owe it to future generations to ensure that when they come upon this monument, they will not ask 'who was that man?' Rather, they will proclaim, 'there was a man, his name was Hugh Shearer'," the Prime Minister said.
Also speaking at the event was Minister of National Security Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson who spoke on behalf of the Hugh Shearer Foundation. A trade union stalwart himself, Senator Nelson noted that "As a leader of the trade union movement, he [Shearer] rose above petty partisan divisive considerations and, notwithstanding his political persuasion, he acted at all times in the interest of the nation."
Senator Nelson also spoke of the former Prime Minister's involvement in education and the continuation of support for education by the Hugh Shearer Foundation. He thanked the present government and its predecessor for seeing the need to erect the monument, noting that through it, Mr. Shearer's name will live on.
Chairman of the People's National Party (PNP) Robert Pickersgill, representing Leader of the Opposition the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, expressed that Mr. Shearer earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him. He noted that Mr. Shearer had a gift for approaching discussions or negotiations, however contentious, with an admirable level of courtesy, respect, and camaraderie.
There were also tributes from Deputy Prime Minister Kenneth Baugh who spoke on behalf of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Mr. Lloyd Goodleigh, president of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), and BITU president, Kavan Gayle.
