Dwight Nelson dies at 72
Published:Monday | December 24, 2018 | 9:44 AM
Former Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson is dead.
Nelson died at home last night surrounded by family members.
He was 72.
Nelson, who held the national security portfolio during the May 2010 West Kingston massive operation to apprehend strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, had been ailing for some time.
Nelson’s death was confirmed a short while ago by a senior member of the governing Jamaica Labour Party, which he served in several capacities before walking away in 2015.
In a Gleaner interview when he left the political stage Nelson described his time in politics - from his first appointment to the Senate in 1983 - as being oftentimes controversial but at all times satisfying.
"From sitting at Irish Town with Edith Nelson, Lady and Sir Alexander Bustamante to visiting Sir Donald Sangster in Montreal, to being a confidant for Hugh Shearer, a working associate for Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding, and chief of staff for Andrew Holness," said Nelson.
A trade unionist by profession, Nelson also spearheaded the bipartisan approach in forging the first social partnership pact with the public-sector workers.
Noting that he functioned in the capacity of senior vice-president of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, then as a director in the Matalon Group of Companies and as minister with responsibility for the public service in the Ministry of Finance, Nelson said: "No other person has represented at managerial level, labour capital, and Government."
We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.