Official funeral set at UWI Mona for Hugh Hart, former minister and attorney

The Government of Jamaica will accord an Official Funeral to former Cabinet Minister and prominent attorney, the Honourable Hugh Cecil Edmund Hart, OJ, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to public service, the legal profession, and Jamaica’s economic development at large.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the University Chapel, The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Mr. Hart, who passed away in April 2026 at the age of 96 in the Cayman Islands, served Jamaica with distinction across the fields of law, business, and government. As a founding partner of the law firm Hart Muirhead Fatta, he established a reputation as one of the country’s leading legal minds while also contributing significantly to national development through public service.

He served in the Senate on two occasions, from 1972 to 1976 and again from 1983 to 1989 and was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Mining and Energy. He also served concurrently as Minister of Tourism.

Throughout his tenure in government, Mr. Hart contributed to the development and stewardship of sectors critical to Jamaica’s economic growth. His leadership in mining, energy, and tourism helped strengthen industries that continue to play a vital role in the nation’s development and prosperity. He also provided strategic guidance to several key national institutions, particularly within the bauxite, alumina, and energy sectors.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, Mr. Hart was conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in 2011 for his contribution to the bauxite and alumina industry and the legal profession.

The Government of Jamaica honours the life and legacy of the Honourable Hugh Hart, and Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness extends sincere condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched through his decades of service to Jamaica.