Caine was true to his craft – Holness
Published:Monday | February 4, 2019 | 12:00 AM
Family, friends, well-wishers and politicians past and present gathered at the Holy Cross Church in Half-Way Tree on Saturday to celebrate the life of the man they called ‘The Jamaican Google’, who had a passion for politics and a love for the arts – Troy Caine.
Many recalled how the newspaper columnist and political historian was dedicated to his craft and how much Jamaica benefited from his contributions to journalism, literature, arts and political history.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness saluted Caine for the role he played in his political career. He said the political historian’s prediction that he might not win the West Central St Andrew seat in 1997 made him more determined.
“Troy had that impact on me, to help me to computise my own will and determination to win,” Holness said.
The prime minister said that even though Caine was close to the Jamaica Labour Party, he supported all.
SPECIAL AND HUMBLE
“He paid attention to what was the truth, what is factual ... . He was true to his craft,” said Holness.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester North Eastern Audley Shaw shared how Caine encouraged him not to give up, but to work harder at his political career. Shaw described Caine as a special and humble man. He finished his tribute by singing Only Remembered.
Central St Catherine MP Olivia Grange said Caine was an outstanding and impressive man, adding that she would miss him as a dear friend.
“He was a genius, a wonderful person ... the most important political historian in Jamaica. Everybody goes to Troy,” she said.
In the eulogy, daughter Dr Shoshoni Droz said Caine always wanted to share his passion with others, and was fond of birds and a passionate tennis player.
Caine was a Gleaner columnist and radio commentator on political affairs and a voice of authority, especially at election time.
In 2011, he received the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) for his contribution to journalism in the field of culture, political history and thought and Jamaican literature.
Caine, 71, passed away last month after ailing for some time. He is survived by his wife Denise and his daughters.