Hadeed

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed regret at the death of manufacturing executive Ray Hadeed.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said yesterday that the passing of Mr. Hadeed represents the closure of a significant chapter in the history of the local manufacturing sector.

"It is an era that not only records his performance as an entrepreneur, but also as an individual deeply committed to the development of a vibrant local manufacturing sector," the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, hailed Mr. Hadeed as an industrial pioneer.

Mr. Paulwell said Mr. Hadeed, who died yesterday morning after a long illness, had to the end of his life held fast to the vision of a prosperous Jamaica in which the manufacturing sector would provide goods for the domestic market and for export, while offering gainful employment for the nation's men and women.

Passionately held view

"Without a doubt, Ray Hadeed was a die-hard manufacturer," Mr. Paulwell said. "He lived and breathed manufacturing and made no secret of his passionately held view that manufacturing holds the key to the country's future."

The Commerce Minister expressed condolences to the family, members of the manufacturing and business community and his friends and loved ones.

Mr. Hadeed had served as president of Serv-Wel since 1960.