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PM, Golding hail Harry Belafonte as treasured icon

Published:Tuesday | April 25, 2023 | 1:31 PM
Singer and activist Harry Belafonte speaks during a memorial tribute concert for folk icon and civil rights activist Pete Seeger in New York on July 20, 2014. Belafonte died Tuesday of congestive heart failure at his New York home. He was 96. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, file)

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding have hailed civil rights activist and humanitarian Harry Belafonte as a treasured icon.

Belafonte, 96, died Tuesday of congestive heart failure at his New York home.

He was of Jamaican parentage.

In 2018, he was bestowed with the Order of Merit (OM) by the Jamaican government for his outstanding contribution to culture.

Belafonte was a barrier-breaking singer, actor, and activist who used his talent and platform to promote social justice and equality.

In paying tribute, Holness described him as a true ambassador for Jamaica and Jamaican culture.

“Representing the best of our culture and values, his music and activism touched the hearts and minds of people globally. Harry Belafonte was not only a talented artiste but also a fearless activist who dedicated his life to the struggle for civil rights and social justice,” he said.

Holness said he was a trailblazer who paved the way for generations of artistes and activists to come and his legacy will live on.

For his part, Golding hailed Belafonte as a tireless advocate for civil rights and a staunch opponent of racism, inequality, and oppression.

“His contributions to the fight against Apartheid in South Africa and his advocacy for the rights of the marginalised will forever be remembered. Rest in Peace to a true son of Jamaica,” he said.

“We join with all Jamaicans, and the world, in mourning the passing of this extraordinary son of the soil, and celebrating his remarkable life and legacy. Harry Belafonte was a true Jamaican icon, whose contributions to music, film, and social justice will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Harry Belafonte, your music, activism and Jamaican spirit will live on forever,” he added.

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