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

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Former Cabinet member and noted lawyer Hugh Hart is to receive an official funeral from the Jamaican Government, which is honouring his wide-ranging service to the country, the legal field and national economic development.

The service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 10:30 am inside the University Chapel at The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Hart died in April in the Cayman Islands at age 96. His career covered law, commerce and public administration, with service to Jamaica in several senior roles.

He was among the founding partners of Hart Muirhead Fatta, a law firm through which he became regarded as one of Jamaica's major legal figures. Alongside that work, he also played a part in public service and wider national development.

Hart sat in the Senate twice, first from 1972 to 1976 and later from 1983 to 1989. He was also named minister of mining and energy, while at the same time carrying responsibility as minister of tourism.

During his years in government, Hart was involved in guiding areas central to Jamaica's economic advancement. His work in mining, energy and tourism supported industries that remain important to the country's growth and prosperity.

He also gave strategic direction to a number of major national bodies, especially those connected to bauxite, alumina and energy.

Hart received the Order of Jamaica in 2011 for his service to the bauxite and alumina industry and to the legal profession.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed sympathy to Hart's relatives, friends, former colleagues and others affected by his death after his many years of service to Jamaica.