Senator Oswald Harding is dead: Jamaica is mourning the passing of distinguished attorney, academic, and former politician Professor Dr. Oswald “Ossie” Harding, who died on Wednesday.
Harding was the longest-serving senator in Jamaica’s history and the first person to serve two non-consecutive terms as President of the Senate. Throughout his distinguished career, he also served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, earning widespread respect for his contributions to the country’s legal and parliamentary systems.
A lifelong member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Harding also played a key role in academia, helping to establish the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness paid tribute to Harding, describing him as one of Jamaica’s most distinguished legal minds, parliamentarians, academics, and public servants.
“His contribution to the development of Jamaica’s constitutional and democratic traditions will endure for generations,” Holness said, adding that Harding’s life was defined by honour, humility, excellence, and a deep commitment to public service.
The Prime Minister also praised Harding’s leadership in the Senate, highlighting his fairness, integrity, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
Condolences have been extended to Harding’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched through decades of dedicated service to Jamaica.
