Roger Clarke was a Special, One of a Kind Politician Says PM

I am deeply saddened at the death of our beloved patriot and son of the soil, the Hon Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

As you all know, Minister Clarke was on leave from official duties to undergo surgery in the United States for a back condition.

Having successfully completed the surgery and given clearance by his doctors to return home, Minister Clarke was at the Miami International Airport this morning awaiting his flight when he complained of chest pains and discomfort. Paramedics were called and they performed Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). He was then rushed by ambulance to the University of Miami Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11.30 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Roger Clarke was a special kind of person – a one of a kind politician who was loved not only by members of his party but people on the other side. He was loved by Jamaicans from all walks of life. His caring, gentle and compassionate spirit was matched by his generosity, good humour and laughter – is hard for us to be sad when Roger Clarke was a man who brought laughter to so many of us.

I will miss his wise counsel; his tremendous sense of duty to public life and his outstanding contribution to agriculture.

On behalf of the Cabinet, the government and people of Jamaica I extend profound condolence to his dear wife Sonia and family and the friends of this giant of a man. I ask the Almighty to strengthen and comfort you all in this moment of unspeakable grief.