Herbert Eldemire dies at age 79

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has expressed regret at the passing of Dr Herbert Eldemire, a former minister of health in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration of the late 1960s.

Eldemire died at his home in Reading, St James, yesterday morning after a brief illness. He was 79.

Members of his family, including his daughter, Dr Denise Eldemire-Shearer, were at his bedside.

"He served as minister of health from 1962-1972 and was responsible for, among other things, the establish-ment of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, the School of Nursing and the introduction of the National Family Planning Programme," Golding said.

Eldemire served as JLP chairman from 1967-1972 and maintained a large private practice in Montego Bay for more than 40 years.

In the meantime, the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) has expressed sorrow at the passing of Eldemire.

"He was regarded by his peers as a most affable, caring and distinguished colleague, also a very loving and dedicated father to his children.

"With his passing, Jamaica has lost one of its finest sons but our lives have been enriched from having known, worked and interacted with this quintessential Caribbean man," said the MAJ.