Official funeral set at UWI Mona for Hugh Hart, former minister and attorney

The Government of Jamaica is to give an Official Funeral to the Honourable Hugh Cecil Edmund Hart, OJ, the former Cabinet minister and noted attorney, in acknowledgement of his wide-ranging service to the country, the legal field and Jamaica's economic advancement.

The service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the University Chapel on The University of the West Indies, Mona campus. Hart died in the Cayman Islands in April 2026. He was 96.

Hart's career covered law, commerce and national administration. He was a founding partner of Hart Muirhead Fatta, a law firm through which he became recognised among Jamaica's foremost legal practitioners, while also giving service to public life and national development.

He sat in the Senate during two separate periods, first from 1972 to 1976 and later from 1983 to 1989. Hart was also named Minister of Mining and Energy and, at the same time, held responsibility as Minister of Tourism.

During his years in government, he was involved in the management and growth of industries central to Jamaica's economy. His work in mining, energy and tourism supported sectors that remain important to the country's development and prosperity.

Hart also offered strategic direction to major national institutions, with particular involvement in the bauxite, alumina and energy areas. In 2011, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his service to the bauxite and alumina industry and to the legal profession.

The Government said it is honouring Hart's life and contribution. Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness also extended condolences to his relatives, friends, former colleagues and others affected by his decades of service to Jamaica.