Fifth Prime Minister of Jamaica
Edward Phillip George Seaga
ON, P.C., LL.D. (Hon.)Bio
Profile of The Most Hon. Edward Phillip George Seaga, ON, P.C., LL.D. (Hon.)
FIFTH PRIME MINISTER: November 4, 1980 – Feb. 13, 1989
Legacy
Local constituency organization and national cultural development are two areas of particular achievement for Edward Seaga. Mr. Seaga represented the Constituency of Western Kingston for 43 years (1962-2005). He was successful in the constituency that no other politician was able to hold for more than five years. His transformation of depressed inner-city areas within his West Kingston constituency, into vibrant communities, made him the unrivalled king of constituency transformation in Jamaica. Culturally, he was the nation’s leading pioneer of ideas and institutions to promote culture, nationally and internationally.
Personality
A serious and sharp thinker, witty and gifted in producing the apt, cutting phrase. Despite a dour look most times, he has a great sense of humour and is known widely for his exceptional deeds of kindness and rendering of practical assistance to the poor and needy.
Education
Wolmer’s Boys School, in Jamaica, and in the USA, Harvard University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in the Social Sciences.
Service
Long and impressive record of important and innovative accomplishments, beginning formally with his nomination to the Legislative Council at 29 years old, the youngest person ever to hold that membership. He was Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party since 1974. He became Prime Minister in 1980 and held office for two successive terms.
Authorship
Booklets – Parent Teacher Relationship, Development of the Child, and, Revival Cults. Also compiler of an album of music – Folk Music of Jamaica – recorded by Ethnic Folkways Library
Born
May 28, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts, of Jamaican parents travelling then, and brought home when three months old.
Parents
Phillip George Seaga and Erna nee Maxwell
Married
Marie Elizabeth ‘Mitzie’ nee Constantine, 1965
Karla Frances nee Vendryes, 1996
Children
Christopher, Andrew, Anabella, Gabrielle