JLP, PNP bid farewell to Abrahams

The Jamaica Labour Party has saluted the contribution of its former party member Anthony Abrahams who passed away yesterday after a period of illness.

The JLP in a release yesterday said it acknowledged Abrahams' contribution to the development of the country, and in particular the tourism and media industries.

Yesterday, JLP General Secretary Senator Aundré Franklin said party members were deeply saddened by the passing of the former minister and member of parliament.

Abrahams, a journalist, businessman and politician, was described by Franklin as a patriotic Jamaican who served his country well at all times in varying capacities.

Abrahams, 71, served as member of parliament for Eastern Portland between 1980 and 1989. He was also minister of tourism and information during much of the Edward Seaga administration between 1980 and 1985. According to Franklin, he was always known to be a man of impeccable intellect and sharp reasoning ability.

"Mr Abrahams' stellar role as host of the popular 'Breakfast Club' morning radio talk-show programme in days gone by is also testament to his commitment to nation building and informed discourse," Franklin said.

Yesterday, JLP Chairman Mike Henry also expressed his condolence to the family while hailing Abrahams as a former stalwart in the field of tourism.

BBC television reporter

The former parliamentarian is also known for a successful libel suit against The Gleaner Company.

The former tourism minister was also lauded by the People's National Party for his contribution to the country.

In 1970, Abrahams became the first Jamaican and the youngest person ever to be appointed as a director of tourism, one month short of his 30th birthday.

In 1965, he joined the staff of the British Broadcasting Corporation in London and became its first black television reporter.

A graduate of Jamaica College and the University of the West Indies, he was awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in 1962 and became president of the Oxford Union Debate Society in 1963.

Abrahams was also credited for his role as co-founder of the 'Breakfast Club' in 1992, which heralded an era of morning-time radio discussion on political and societal issues.

Last night, Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett also paid tribute to Abrahams.