Floral tribute marks 103rd birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Hugh Lawson Shearer

Government officials, trade union leaders, diplomats and members of the Shearer family gathered at National Heroes Park for a floral tribute honouring the Most Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer, Jamaica’s third prime minister, on the 103rd anniversary of his birth.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, who delivered the main address, described Shearer as one of the architects of post-independence Jamaica. Whether as a labour leader, parliamentarian, prime minister or elder statesman, she said, his life was marked by service and belief in the potential of Jamaicans. She noted that his birthday falls during Workers’ Week each year, reflecting his trade union work, while stressing that his record extended well beyond industrial relations.

Grange recalled admiring Shearer as a girl growing up in West Kingston near Coronation Market, never imagining she would one day help host an observance in his memory. She said her own political journey had been shaped by early trailblazers such as Shearer and Edward Seaga.

When Shearer became prime minister in 1967—only five years after independence—Jamaica still had to build an educated, skilled workforce, Grange said. Through his New Deal Education programme, she said, he widened access to secondary schooling, strengthened technical and vocational training, expanded teacher development and aligned skills training with economic needs. “Education is not simply about academics,” she told the gathering. “It is about opportunity. It’s about empowerment and national progress.” She added that Vision 2030 still reflects his emphasis on human development, skills training and equal access.

Grange closed by invoking Sankofa, urging Jamaicans to draw lessons from past leaders to meet present challenges.

The programme included an opening prayer by Missionary Dr. Yvonne Campbell and musical tributes by Ardenne High School. Floral wreaths were laid on behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, represented by Senate President Senator Thomas Tavares-Finson; Opposition Leader Mark Golding, represented by Michael Phillips, shadow spokesperson on transport; cabinet ministers; Jamaica Labour Party chairman Robert Montague; Shearer’s widow, Dr. Eldemire Shearer; sons Howard and Lansford Shearer; granddaughter Justine Shearer Maxwell; and Bustamante Industrial Trade Union president Senator Kavan Gayle, among others. Host MP Donovan Williams, representing Central Kingston, also took part, along with Deputy Mayor Councillor Lorraine Dobson on behalf of Kingston and St. Andrew Mayor Andrew Swaby.

Attendees stood for a moment of silence before the ceremony closed with thanks to participants and the national anthem.