Houses of Parliament Pay Tribute to Sir Howard

The late former Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, was remembered at a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, for his unyielding and sterling contribution to nation-building for almost seven decades.

In a colourful tribute, Members of Parliament and Senators warmly recounted their memories of Sir Howard, who died on July 11. He was 98-years-old.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, described the late former Governor-General as an “esteemed public servant”, who dedicated his entire life to nation building and service.

“He was teacher, trade unionist, insurance manager, Member of Parliament, Senator, Government Minister, lay pastor and Governor-General,” she said. “Indeed, along Sir Howard’s journey from cane fields to King’s House, he came to manifest the qualities of a man for all seasons,” she added.

Mrs. Simpson Miller noted that of all the titles to which he was referred, ‘Teacher Cooke,’ was his favourite, as he had a burning desire to educate his Jamaican people, which lent itself naturally to nation building.

“For him, political representation was not an end within itself, but a means of service in the pursuit of people’s development,” the Prime Minister said.

She noted that as Minister of Education, Sir Howard was responsible for fundamental change in the governance of the islands’ schools and colleges.

Mrs. Simpson Miller informed that under his watch, Boards of management were more democratically constituted with the inclusion of staff representation, and in some cases, student representatives as well.

“We can also thank Sir Howard for introducing community colleges as an element in the restructuring of our tertiary education system,” the Prime Minister said.

Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Holness, said the late former Governor-General served Jamaica and by extension, the region, in virtually every aspect of national and political life – from civil activism to founding party member.

“He was a giant of a man. He was a dedicated nation builder, revered public servant and shining example of excellence that all generations that follow should strive to emulate,” he said.

In his contribution, President of the Senate, Floyd Morris, said the passing of Sir Howard is a major loss for the country, as it will be impossible to replace such a “stellar Jamaican.”

However, he noted that Jamaicans can find comfort in the fact that the former teacher spent over seven decades of his life giving selfless service to his nation.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House, Hon. Michael Peart, said Sir Howard was a man who gave the fullest of himself to all his endeavours.

“We will all remember him for his contributions to various sectors of Jamaican life, including education, youth, community development, sports and government,” he said.

Other tributes came from Minister of Land, Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill; Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips; Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer; Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill; State Minister in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson; Government Senator, K.D. Knight; Member of Parliament for East St. Andrew, Andre Hylton; Opposition Spokesman for Water and Housing, Horace Chang; Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, Tom Tavares-Finson; Opposition Spokesman for Health,  Dr. Kenneth Baugh; Opposition Senator, Marlene Malahoo-Forte; and Member of Parliament for North East St. Andrew, Delroy Chuck.

The Members of Parliament and Senators also emphasised and lauded Sir Howard’s commitment and dedication to his widow, Lady Cooke, and their three children. Members of the Cooke family were present at the sitting.

The State Funeral for the late former Governor-General will be held on Friday, August 8 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1 George Headley Drive, Kingston, starting 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in National Heroes Park.