Kingston 24 December 2018 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement at the passing of the former government minister, Dwight Nelson.

Minister’s Statement follows:

“This is a sad moment as we learn of the passing of one of our outstanding sons of the Jamaican soil – Dwight Nelson, trade unionist, politician and personal friend.

Dwight Nelson stands tall as a patriotic Jamaican who dedicated his life to the improvement of the circumstances of the Jamaican poor.  His concern for the poor and vulnerable knew no bounds and was the platform on which he made the decision to serve as a trade unionist and enter into national politics.  For him, the best and most enduring way to help the masses of the Jamaican people was to ensure that there was adequate legislation to facilitate their various endeavours, particularly in the issues of industrial relations through the promotion of conditions for decent work.  He was an ardent trade unionist whose focus was on better working conditions and remuneration for the working class.

My association with Dwight Nelson was long and fulfilling.  His was a friendship I have always treasured.  Being from the working class, we understood very well the importance of culture to the life and welfare of the people, to their sense of who they were and their willingness to support the national development process.  When he was asked to head the Ministry of National Security, we would have lively discussions on entertainment and its influence on community development, peace and security.  Dwight Nelson was an unwavering friend of the working class and only saw success in their capacity to achieve better livelihoods.

I will miss Dwight Nelson.  I will miss his wit and wisdom, his willingness to listen and his support for any programme that would uplift the ordinary people of Jamaica.  Jamaica has lost another son.  My condolences to his family as they mourn his passing.  I hope there will be comfort for them in the knowledge that they lent him to the wider Jamaican family and we are the better for it.  

May his soul rest in peace.”

END