Glasspole
FORMER Governor-General, Sir Florizel Agustus Glasspole, is dead. He was 91.
A founding member of the ruling People's National Party (PNP) and former Education Minister, Sir Florizel, who had been ailing for a long time, died at his Millbourough, St. Andrew home yesterday afternoon.
The news of his death brought numerous tributes from colleagues of all sides of the political landscape.
Prime Minister, P. J. Patterson, said Sir Florizel's contribution to the nation's Parliamentary life was legendary. Mr. Patterson said Sir Florizel endeared himself to the entire population and served the nation with the highest integrity.
"Jamaica has lost a statesman of high esteem," Mr. Patterson said. "He will be fondly and respectfully remembered."
Highest integrity
Opposition Leader Edward Seaga described Sir Florizel as a man whose life was a symbol of the highest integrity in the public service. A press release from the Jamaica Labour Party stated that "Sir Florizel served both political parties as Governor-General for a total of 18 years with unblemished integrity and strength of character".
Mr. Seaga said that as a true mark of respect, the Government should declare a period of public mourning .
National Workers Union Island Supervisor, Vincent Morrison, described the late Governor-General as an outstanding Jamaican.
"Sir Florizel can best be described as a most outstanding Jamaican, oustanding social worker, educator, trade unionist, politician, nation-builder, a champion of the poor and working class, a disciplinarian of the highest order and one who was always committed to nationhood," he said.
Lifelong friend Hector Wynter described Sir Florizel as a true Jamaican.
"What he showed us all is that it did not matter which party you were from, it is your principles that mattered," Mr. Wynter said.
When contacted last night, Sir Florizel's daughter Sara Lou Mena said the memories of her father are pleasant and wonderful: "It was a marvellous innings, and his life was well lived. He has left a legacy not only to his family, but to all Jamaicans. We give thanks for a life...well lived."
Born in Kingston in 1909, Sir Florizel was the son of the Reverend Theophilus Glasspole and his wife Florence (nee Baxter) and one of his parents five children. He was Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal between 1944 to 1973. He resigned in 1973 and accepted the position as Governor-General under the Michael Manley Government.
Sir Florizel's wife Lady Ina Josephine Glasspole died in 1998. He is survived by his daughter, son-in-law Dr. Adolpho Mena and two grandchildren.
