Howard Cooke facts for kids

Sir Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke (born November 13, 1915 – died July 11, 2014) was an important leader in Jamaica. He served as the fourth Governor-General of Jamaica from 1991 to 2006. The Governor-General is the representative of the Queen of Jamaica and acts as the head of state.

Early Life and Education

Howard Cooke was born on November 13, 1915, in Goodwill, a town in St. James, Jamaica. His parents were David Brown Cooke and Mary Jane Minto.

When he was young, Howard was very active. He was a scout leader for the St. Andrew Boys' Scout Association. He also played cricket and was the captain of the County of Cornwall cricket team.

He went to Mico University College in Kingston. Later, he studied at the University of London in London.

For 23 years, Mr. Cooke worked as a teacher. He was the headmaster at several schools, including Belle Castle All-Age School. He also led the Jamaica Union of Teachers, which helps teachers in Jamaica. After teaching, he worked in the insurance business for about 30 years.

Political Career

Howard Cooke was one of the people who helped start the People's National Party (PNP) in 1938. This was the beginning of his long career in politics.

In 1958, he became a member of the parliament for the West Indies Federation. This was a group of Caribbean islands that worked together. After Jamaica became independent in 1962, he served in the Jamaican parliament. He was both a Senator and a Member of the House of Representatives.

During the 1970s, he was a minister in the government led by Michael Manley. From 1989 to 1991, he was the President of the Senate of Jamaica. This is a very important role in the Jamaican parliament.

On August 1, 1991, Sir Howard Cooke became the fourth Governor-General of Jamaica. He took over from Florizel Glasspole. During his time as Governor-General, Queen Elizabeth visited Jamaica twice, in 1994 and 2002.

He retired from his role on February 15, 2006. He was the first Governor-General to officially welcome his replacement, Kenneth Octavius Hall. After retiring, he became the Chancellor of the International University of the Caribbean in Kingston.

Family Life

On July 22, 1939, Howard Cooke married Ivy Sylvia Lucille Tai, who was also a schoolteacher. They had a long and happy marriage.

They had three children: two sons named Howard Fitz-Arthur Cooke and Richard Washington McDermott Cooke, and a daughter named Audrey Faith.

Sir Howard Cooke passed away on July 11, 2014, in Kingston, Jamaica. He was 98 years old. His death happened just 11 days before his 75th wedding anniversary. Lady Cooke, his wife, lived to be 100 years old and passed away on June 4, 2017.

Awards and Honours

Sir Howard Cooke received many awards for his service to Jamaica and the Commonwealth.

In 1980, he was given a special award from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. In 1991, he received two very high honours: the Order of the Nation and the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG). In 1994, he was also awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).

Several places in Jamaica are named after Sir Howard Cooke to honour his contributions. These include the Howard Cooke Boulevard, Howard Cooke Primary School, and a campus at the International University of the Caribbean.