Thursday, August 27, 2020

THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | D3 TRIBUTE TO ANTONY HART FEATURE T HE PASSING of business and tourism icon, the Hon Antony Keith Edmund ‘Tony’ Hart, OJ, has robbed the city of Montego Bay in general, and the business and tourism sectors in particular, of a giant who has served with highest distinction. Tony Hart was a dreamer and a visionary Jamaican … a man whose dream and vision resulted in the development of the Montego Bay Harbour. He lived a life of service to Jamaica and Jamaicans. In 1962, Tony Hart started working on a plan to build what would become the Montego Freeport, a development which played a major role in the economic development of Montego Bay. His vision also included development plans for the Bogue lands, the Pye River Bridge and the dredging of the harbour at Montego Freeport, which has allowed bigger cruise and cargo ships to dock at pier side. Tony Hart’s contribution to construction, business and tourism resulted in Montego Bay growing exponentially, becoming the tourism capital of Jamaica, as well as the commercial centre of western Jamaica. An astute gentleman, he was never too busy to take on another demanding job in service to his country. His fingerprints remain visible in many areas today. Councillor Homer Davis Mayor of Montego Bay WHEN THE history of Montego Bay is brought into the 21st century, the contribution of Tony Hart to the city’s modernisation will be indelibly etched in the annals as one of its outstanding architects. The astute and visionary ‘master of business enterprise’ has secured pride of place in this nation as an entrepreneur exemplar, selfless philanthropist, a true patriot and patriarch. Hart is on record for having established some 50 companies during a lifetime of business. However, his most seminal contribution as a son of Montego Bay is envisioning and overseeing the creation of the Montego Bay Freeport, a most impactful development which spurred the exponential growth of the city, now the tourism Mecca of the Caribbean and the commercial hub of western Jamaica. The development of the Montego Bay Freeport created 350 acres of land and four berths for ships, and is today home to a booming industrial estate, the free zone, upscale residential complexes, numerous resort offerings, a beach club, and the Montego Bay Yacht Club. For his contribution to the development of business enterprise in St James in particular, and Jamaica in general, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the presidency of Gloria Henry, inducted Tony Hart into the inaugural Business Leaders Wall of Fame on the 14th day of November in the year 2015. Janet Silvera President Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry ANTONY KEITH EDMUND ‘TONY’ HART Entrepreneur exemplar A GIANT who served with the highest distinction ONE OF my first encounters with Tony was at a lunch at Seawind. He asked me about my last name, which was Vallenilla. My dad was Venezuelan and I had spent a lifetime teaching people how to pronounce it, so I braced for another tutoring session on how double Ls in Spanish are pronounced as Ys. But Tony, in his true nature, was much more practical than all the others with his response. “I’m not going to learn that. If you stay, it will change; and if you don’t, it doesn’t matter.” I stayed and was lucky to have his simple practicality as a guide for the next 20 years. Candace Hart His simple PRACTICALITY WAS A GUIDE A GREAT MENTOR TO ME THE JOHNSON-SARGENT family sends deepest sympathy to you and yours on the loss of the amazing Tony Hart. Tony was a great mentor to me when I was blessed to serve as the USA ambassador to Jamaica. Since our departure Tony and Sheila, and your family remain steadfast friends. Normally, we would be able to have a large gathering to celebrate Tony’s life. Unfortunately, with COVID, that is not possible. However, I look forward to seeing you as soon as possible and having our own celebration of a life well lived. We miss you and look forward to a reunion soon. All the best. Ambassador Brenda Johnson