MILESTONES - 2005: Edward Seaga retires

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Thursday | August 2, 2007

Edward Seaga, leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) since 1974 and Leader of the Opposition (1974 to 1980, and 1989 to 2005) retired from active politics after a career of 46 years.

He was appointed to the Legislative Council in 1959. Three years later, he contested and won the West Kingston seat and represented this constituency for the remainder of his political career.

Victory

He was appointed Minister of Development and Welfare in 1962, and five years later was appointed Minister of Finance, in succession to Sir Donald Sangster, by Prime Minister Hugh Shearer.

He led the Jamaica Labour Party to victory in the 1980 General Election and became Prime Minister and Minister of Finance until 1989 when his party was defeated at the polls by the People's National Party.

He was succeeded as leader of the Jamaica Labour Party by Bruce Golding.