Statement on the Passing of Ambassador the Hon. Anthony Johnson, OJ

I am deeply saddened, today, following the passing of Ambassador the Honourable Anthony Johnson, OJ.

Ambassador Johnson was a former Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament, Senator, diplomat, economist, lecturer, Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, the Kingdoms of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and Ireland and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States.

He led a life that can only be described as selfless having made invaluable contributions to both the private and public sectors and as an educator lecturing at the University of the West Indies for many years.

Ambassador Johnson became a member of the Jamaica Labour Party in 1980 and went on to be appointed to the Senate after which he took on the role of Member of Parliament for North East St. Catherine where he served his constituents with great distinction. At different times during his political career, Ambassador Johnson had various portfolio responsibilities including, technology, education, industry, commerce, agriculture, mining and energy. He was also the first Jamaican council member of Parliamentarians for Global Action.

Ambassador Johnson is known in many quarters as an exceptional humanitarian and statesman who was of unquestionable integrity and had an intense devotion to his country. He was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his service to the nation in 2016.

His passing has left us heartbroken.

I express heartfelt condolences to his wife and four children, including our own Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, and the rest of his family, as they mourn this tremendous loss.