News

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

There was no shortage of headstrong politicians in Jamaica during the turbulent 1970s. William 'Vunny' Isaacs was not one of them.

Isaacs, son of the colourful People's National Party (PNP) stalwart, Wills O'Gilvie 'Wills' Isaacs, died last Sunday in St Andrew at age 79. His daughter and only child, Ann-Marie Burke, told The Gleaner that her father had been ill for some time.

Isaacs served as a senator and minister of labour in Prime Minister Michael Manley's first and second tenure (1972-80). He was not among the hardliners in a party that announced democratic socialism as its mantra in 1974.

According to David Coore, who was deputy prime minister and finance minister in Manley's Cabinet, Isaacs was a moderate who shunned ideology.

"He was a people-friendly person who got on with both sides. I know he was very good friends with (former Jamaica Labour Party and union leader) Hugh Shearer," Coore said.

Diplomacy

Isaacs was appointed minister of labour in 1975, replacing Ernest Peart.

His diplomacy won him the admiration of the major unions.

"Michael recognised that he had strong people qualities and that enabled him to broker many deals with the trade unions and employees," Coore recalled.

In fact, Isaacs' daughter said her father was particularly proud of his role in legislating the Maternity Leave and Minimum Wage acts, two major achievements of the controversial Manley years.

'Wills' Isaacs was a flamboyant politician who was member of parliament for Central Kingston, East Central Kingston and North East St Ann. The older Isaacs, who was first elected MP in 1949, was also trade and industry minister and high commissioner to Canada in the early 1970s.

Isaacs Jr was an outstanding sportsman at Jamaica College, representing that school in football, cricket and swimming. He never inherited his 'old man's' fiery temperament, but followed him into politics, though his tenure as MP was not as lengthy.

Isaacs represented the East Kingston and Port Royal constituency from 1975 to 1980.

He was among several PNP members of parliament who did not contest the October 1980 general election which the JLP won by 51 seats to nine. Hugh Small stepped in for Isaacs in the East Kingston and Port Royal constituency, losing to the JLP's Captain Glen Webley.

William Isaacs is survived by wife Vilma, daughter Ann Marie Burke, grandchildren Shakira Walton and Brandon Burke, great-grandchildren Jared Hall and Lukah Walton, sisters Joan Broomhead, Cynthia Marchand, Stephanie Hunte and Christine Gore, and brothers Milton Isaacs and Johnny Isaacs.

The thanksgiving service for his life takes place June 23 at the Sts Peter and Paul church in St Andrew.