Jamaica honours Edward Seaga at National Heroes Park floral tribute

Jamaica paid tribute to former Prime Minister Edward Philip George Seaga on May 28, 2026, with a floral ceremony at National Heroes Park in Kingston marking the 96th anniversary of his birth. The gathering brought together government officials, parliamentarians, civic representatives, youth organisations, cultural performers, students and members of Seaga's family.

The ceremony opened with prayers led by Reverend Courtney Gordon, executive chairman of the Church of God in Jamaica, who gave thanks for Seaga's contribution to national development, including his work in the economy, culture, social transformation and institution building. Musical and dance tributes also formed part of the programme, with Warren Harris performing “Many Rivers to Cross” and the Tivoli Dance Troupe presenting cultural items.

Culture Minister Olivia Grange said Seaga's leadership during Hurricane Gilbert remained a powerful example for the country. She compared that period with Jamaica's rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Melissa under Prime Minister Andrew Holness, noting that Seaga helped organise relief systems, restore utilities and support communities at a time when warning and communication systems were less advanced.

Holness described Seaga as a former prime minister, parliamentarian, scholar, cultural advocate and builder of public institutions. He said Seaga believed Jamaica's independence had to be strengthened through lasting systems, disciplined governance, youth training, cultural confidence and national purpose. Holness also said the process had started to commission a shrine for Seaga at National Heroes Park, where he is buried.

Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie, who represents West Kingston, remembered Seaga as a leader closely connected to the people of that constituency. McKenzie pointed to Seaga's long public service, his role in developing cultural life in West Kingston, and his part in transforming George VI Memorial Park into National Heroes Park.

Floral tributes were laid by Holness, McKenzie, Jamaica Labour Party chairman Robert Montague, Anthony Hylton representing Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Mrs Edward Seaga, Central Kingston MP Donovan Williams, Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, representatives of Tivoli Gardens Football Club, JLP NOW, Generation 2000 and Young Jamaica. The observance ended with a moment of silence, the Last Post and Reveille by the Jamaica Defence Force.