Edward Seaga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
Edward Seaga
ON PC
|
|
|---|---|
.jpeg)
Seaga in 1983
|
|
| 5th Prime Minister of Jamaica | |
| In office 1 November 1980 – 10 February 1989 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Sir Florizel Glasspole |
| Preceded by | Michael Manley |
| Succeeded by | Michael Manley |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 10 February 1989 – 21 January 2005 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Michael Manley P. J. Patterson |
| Preceded by | Michael Manley |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Golding |
| In office 1974 – 1 November 1980 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Michael Manley |
| Preceded by | Hugh Shearer |
| Succeeded by | Michael Manley |
| Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party | |
| In office November 1974 – 21 January 2005 |
|
| Preceded by | Hugh Shearer |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Golding |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edward Philip George Seaga
28 May 1930 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | 28 May 2019 (aged 89) Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Citizenship | Jamaica United States (renounced) |
| Political party | Jamaica Labour Party |
| Spouses |
Marie 'Mitsy' Constantine
(m. 1965; div. 1995)Carla Vendryes
(m. 1996) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Harvard University (AB) |
Edward Philip George Seaga (born May 28, 1930 – died May 28, 2019) was an important Jamaican politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1980 to 1989. He was also the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for many years, from 1974 to 2005.
Mr. Seaga was a key figure in Jamaica's history. He was the last politician from the group who helped Jamaica become independent in 1962. He first entered public service in 1959. Many people remember him for building Jamaica's financial system and helping develop its arts and culture. He also played a big part in the growth of Jamaican music.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edward Seaga was born in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, on May 28, 1930. His father was from a Lebanese Jamaican family. His mother was Jamaican with African, Scottish, and Indian roots.
When Edward was three months old, his family moved back to Jamaica. He went to Wolmer's Boys' School in Jamaica. Later, he studied in the United States at Harvard University. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in Social Sciences. Before starting his political career, he worked as a music producer and researcher.
Music Career
Edward Seaga had a strong interest in Jamaican music. In 1955, he helped record an album of traditional Jamaican music. He continued to produce music for other artists. In the late 1950s, he started his own record company, West Indies Records Limited. This company released early songs by famous artists like Higgs and Wilson.
In 1961, Seaga moved to West Kingston. He became very involved in the local music scene there. West Indies Records Limited became a very successful company. After he was elected to Parliament in 1962, he sold his company. It was then renamed Dynamic Sounds.
For 16 years, Seaga worked on a special music collection. This collection covered Jamaican music from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s. It was released in 2012 to celebrate Jamaica's 50th year of independence.
Beginning His Political Journey
Edward Seaga's political journey started in 1959. Alexander Bustamante, who founded the JLP, chose him for the Legislative Council. This was the upper house of the Jamaican Parliament. At 29, he was the youngest person ever appointed to this council.
Seaga helped create the Jamaican Constitution in 1961. He pushed for important changes, like adding a Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. This charter protects people's basic rights. He also worked to create the role of a Public Defender.
In April 1962, Seaga was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for West Kingston. This area is known for its working-class residents. He held this seat for 43 years in a row. This made him the longest-serving MP in Jamaica's history.
Right after winning his seat, Seaga became the Minister of Development and Welfare. He was in charge of planning, social development, and culture. He started a project to rebuild a large slum in West Kingston. This area became Tivoli Gardens, with new homes and schools. He also used his position to keep promoting Jamaican music.
After the 1967 election, Seaga became the Minister of Finance and Planning. He also supported bringing the remains of Marcus Garvey back to Jamaica in 1964.
In the 1972 election, the JLP lost to the PNP, led by Michael Manley. Seaga became the Leader of the JLP in 1974. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition. The 1970s saw a lot of political tension and violence in Jamaica.
Prime Minister of Jamaica
Edward Seaga became Prime Minister after the election on October 30, 1980. The JLP won by a large margin. They won 51 out of 60 seats. He continued as Prime Minister until February 1989.
Seaga is seen as one of Jamaica's most important Prime Ministers. Some people say he "saved" Jamaica. Others have different views. He and Michael Manley were often seen as rivals.
In terms of foreign policy, Seaga made important decisions. He changed Jamaica's relationships with countries like Cuba and Grenada. These countries had different views from the United States. Seaga worked closely with leaders like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. He is credited with helping Jamaica avoid economic problems and foreign intervention during that time.
Leader of the Opposition Again
The JLP lost the 1989 election to Michael Manley's PNP. Seaga then returned to being the Leader of the Opposition. He continued in this role for many years.
He led the JLP in several more elections against the PNP, now led by P.J. Patterson. The JLP lost these elections in 1993, 1997, and 2002.
During this time, some members of his own party challenged his leadership. In 1995, Bruce Golding left the JLP to start a new party. Golding later rejoined the JLP in 2002. In 2005, Bruce Golding took over from Seaga as the leader of the JLP and Leader of the Opposition.
Important Contributions to Jamaica
Edward Seaga made many lasting contributions to Jamaica after its independence.
Building the Economy
Seaga helped create many financial organizations in Jamaica. These were important for the country's economic growth.
- 1967: Jamaica Citizens Bank (first Jamaican-owned commercial bank)
- 1968: Jamaica Stock Exchange
- 1969: Jamaican currency became decimal
- 1969: Banks and insurance companies became nationalized
- 1969: Merchant banking was introduced
- 1971: Jamaica Unit Trust
- 1972: Jamaica Mortgage Bank
- 1981: National Development Bank (NDB)
- 1981: Agricultural Credit Bank (ACB)
- 1982: Agro 21 (for agriculture)
- 1982: Divestment Programme (leasing government hotels)
- 1984: Self-Start Fund (for small businesses)
- 1985: Tax reforms (including a flat income tax rate)
- 1985: Solidarity Programme (for micro-businesses)
- 1986: Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank)
- 1986: De-regulation of the economy (removing import licenses)
- 1986: Privatization of financial institutions (like NCB)
- 1987: JAMPRO (to promote investment)
- 1988: Digiport (first satellite data processing)
- 1988: One Million Trees Programme
Social Programs
Seaga also created many social programs. These helped with training, supported small businesses, and protected people in need.
- 1963: Construction of the National Arena
- 1963: Things Jamaican (craft development)
- 1964: 100 Village Community Development Programme
- 1965: Islandwide community sports development
- 1965: The Golden Age Movement (for the elderly)
- 1965: The National Volunteers
- 1970: Student Revolving Loan Fund (for higher education)
- 1971: National School Feeding Programme
- 1972: Establishment of Jamaica Racing Commission and Jockey School
- 1974: Caribbean Institute of Media & Communication (CARIMAC)
- 1982: H.E.A.R.T. (Human Employment & Resource Training)
- 1984: Food Stamp Programme (for the poor)
- 1985: Golden Age Home (for elderly poor)
- 1986: L.E.A.P. (Learning for Earning Activity Programme) for street children
- 1988: P.A.C.E. (Programme for Advancement of Early Childhood Education)
- 1988: Residential Halls for universities and cultural centers
Cultural Programs
Seaga helped create many institutions to build cultural awareness and national identity. He also supported arts, crafts, and national heritage.
- 1963: Jamaica Festival
- 1964: Promotion of Jamaican music (ska) abroad
- 1964: Return and burial of Marcus Garvey's body in Jamaica
- 1964: Order of National Heroes (Garvey was the first hero named)
- 1964: National Heroes Park
- 1965–69: Development of museums (like Arawak and Port Royal)
- 1967: Jamaica Journal publication
- 1967: Research and recording of folk culture
- 1967: Devon House
- 1968: National Heritage Week
- 1971: Design of the Cultural Training Centre
- 1972: Jamaica Racing Commission and Jockey School
- 1986: Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC)
- 1988: Planned development of heritage sites (Port Royal, Spanish Town, Seville)
- 1988: Media Divestment Programme (for private radio and TV)
Political and Constitutional Changes
Seaga also started important political and constitutional changes that affect how Jamaica is governed.
- 1961: Member of the group that wrote Jamaica's Constitution
- 1979: Electoral reforms
- 1986: Establishment of Contractor General
- 1986: Media Commission
- 1992: Constitutional Reform: Public Defender role
- 1993: Constitutional Reform: Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
- 1994: Parliamentary reforms to strengthen Parliament
- 1994: Money Bills tabled to regulate money supply by law
International Efforts
Jamaica is known for starting several international programs. These were due to Seaga's ideas for new global agreements.
- 1974: UNESCO International Fund for the Promotion of Culture
- 1982: Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
- 1986: UNDP - United Nations International Short Term Advisory Resources (UNISTAR)
- 1986: Caribbean Democrat Union (CDU)
- 1986: CARIBCAN (with Canada)
Personal Life
On August 22, 1965, Edward Seaga married Marie Elizabeth "Mitsy" Constantine. She was Miss Jamaica 1965. They had two sons, Christopher and Andrew, and a daughter, Anabella. Their marriage ended in 1995.
On June 14, 1996, he married Carla Frances Vendryes. They had a daughter named Gabrielle. Carla Vendryes Seaga was interested in sociological research and Jamaican handicraft. She started the Solidarity project to help poor people with small businesses.
Seaga loved cultural activities, especially folk music. He was also a keen gardener. He used his love for plants to create the Enchanted Garden resort in Jamaica. He also enjoyed sports like field hockey, cricket, and tennis.
Later Years and Death
Edward Seaga retired as Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party on January 20, 2005. He had held that position for 30 years. He also retired as a Member of Parliament after serving for 43 years. He had the longest continuous service of any elected representative in the Caribbean.
After retiring from politics, he took on roles in academia. He worked at the University of the West Indies, the Institute of Jamaica, and the University of Technology. He focused on research, writing, teaching, and leadership.
Edward Seaga passed away on May 28, 2019, his 89th birthday. He died in Miami, Florida, where he was receiving treatment.
Honours and Awards
Edward Seaga received many honours and awards throughout his life:
- 1980: Fortune Magazine named him a "Man of the Year."
- 1981: Queen Elizabeth II appointed him to Her Majesty's Privy Council.
- 2002: The Government of Jamaica gave him the Order of the Nation, a very high honour.
- 2005: The University of the West Indies gave him the honorary title of Distinguished Fellow for Life.
- He was also made a Fellow of the Institute of Jamaica.
- That same year, he became Chancellor of the University of Technology.
He was also honoured by several other countries:
- 1981: Republic of Venezuela – Grand Collar de Libertador
- Republic of Venezuela – Gold Mercury International Award
- Republic of Korea – Grand Gwangwa Medal, Order of Diplomatic Service
- 1982: Federal Republic of Germany – Grand Cross of the Order of Merit
- 1987: Mexico – Order of the Aztec Eagle
He received several important international awards:
- Gleaner Honour Awards: Man of the Year, 1980, 1981
- Avenue of the Americas Association, N.Y. – Gold Key Award (1981)
- American Friendship Medal (1982)
- Pan American Development Foundation Inter-American Man of the Year Development Award (1983)
- Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award (1984)
- United Nations Environment Programme – the Environmental Leadership Award (1987)
He also received several honorary degrees from universities:
- University of Miami, LL.D. (1981)
- Tampa University, LL.D. (1982)
- University of South Carolina, LL.D. (1983)
- Boston University, LL.D. (1983)
- University of Hartford, LL.D. (1987)
Images for kids
-
Seaga and his wife Mitzy with US President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan (1981)
See also
In Spanish: Edward Seaga para niños
