By Byron McDaniel, Gleaner WriterWALDERSTON, Manchester:
IN THE early 1970s, I was assigned to an elite branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force that provided personal security to then Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Hugh Lawson Shearer.
Shortly after his death, I was asked if I had any memories of the great man. My immediate response was borrowed from a feature story in the Readers Digest.
Mr. Shearer's recognition and treatment of individual members of our team generated a spirit of closeness to him. Never aloof, he seemed "closer than a brother". In fact, that was the title of his theme song which he hummed occasionally.
MANY EXPERIENCES
There were so many experiences with Mr. Shearer that one could write a book. But in the interest of brevity and professionalism, I will mention just a few.
One rainy night when I accompanied him by helicopter to St. Mary, we landed in a slippery patch near to a main road. After alighting, he slipped in the mud and would have soiled his immaculate suit had I not run forward and used my head as a temporary seat for him. This was facilitated by his great height and my relative shortness.
The gesture seemed to have caused a bonding with the 'Chief' because while I was on a day off at home the following day, my senior officer called to say, "The boss miss you, he asked for you today."
His observation of minute details was phenomenal as well as his ability to recall names and telephone numbers. He was like a detective. He once asked us, "If I had joined the force, what rank do you think I would be now?" We chorused in unison, "Commissioner, sir". He roared with laughter.
RESPECT
Mr. Shearer's respect for labour matters extended to his bodyguards. He often enquired of our welfare and ensured that we were fed. Once when the exigency of our duties allowed us only to grab some Tastee patties, he had one with us, making sure to hand us a fistful of $20 notes to buy more.
On one occasion when he visited Sir Alexander Bustamante at Irish Town, he told him he was going to St. James, and Sir Alex said, "Son, when you go to Catadupa give the people my regards." Sure enough, at Catadupa that night Mr. Shearer delivered a verbatim message, complete with Sir Alexander's intonation.
Hugh Lawson Shearer was a godly man who whispered passages from the Bible sometimes, but who would sometimes shout words (not fit for publication) when irritated. He was a great Jamaican, a philanthropist. He was no ordinary man.
