Anthony Johnson remembered as selfless contributor

Tributes have been coming in for former senator Ambassador Anthony Johnson, who died yesterday at the age of 82.

Johnson, a member of the Jamaica Labour Party since 1980, was also a member of parliament, economist and lecturer.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Johnson led a life that could only be described as selfless, having made invaluable contributions to both the private and public sectors and as an educator lecturing at the University of the West Indies for many years.

"Ambassador Johnson is known in many quarters as an exceptional humanitarian and statesman who was of unquestionable integrity and had an intense devotion to his country," said Holness in a statement. "His passing has left us heartbroken," Holness added, while expressing condolences to Johnson's wife and four children, including Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith.

Johnson was first appointed to the Senate and later became member of parliament for St Catherine North East. During his political career, Johnson had various portfolio responsibilities including, technology, education, agriculture, mining and energy. As a diplomat, Johnson served as Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, high commissioner to the United Kingdom and permanent representative to the Organisation of American States among other roles. In 2016, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his service.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) expressed its sadness at Johnson's passing.

"Ambassador Johnson served Jamaica admirably throughout a storied career in the private and public sectors, and in academia. He was respected by many for his statesmanship and devotion to his country," the PSOJ said in a statement.