Emerson Barrett, the Kingston mayor who presented keys to football legend Pelé, has died

Emerson Genard Barrett, the former Mayor of Kingston who famously presented the keys to the city to Brazilian football legend Pelé, died earlier this week. 

In a statement Saturday, the Opposition People's National Party (PNP), of which he Barrett was a member, said it was "deeply saddened".

The party said his life as a former local government councillor, junior minister, and Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural, was "a testament to service and dedication".

"Comrade Barrett lived a life committed to the betterment of others, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. We extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. His unwavering commitment to service will never be forgotten," the opposition party said. 

Barrett, who served as mayor from 1970-71, died on Thursday. 

His other public positions include councillor for the Gordon Town Division in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation; chairman of the Social Development Foundation; Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Jamaica's Consul General to Miami.  

As Mayor of Kingston, Barrett presented the Key to the City to Brazil's football maestro Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé) on January 31, 1971, ahead of a match between Santos of Brazil and Cavalier Invitational teams at the National Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Pelé died in 2022. 

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