Thursday, August 27, 2020

THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | C10 The St. James Municipal Corporation says the 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 upmost distinction. Speaking on behalf of the Corporation. Montego Bay’s Mayor Davis said Mr. Hart was a dreamer and a visionary Jamaican…a man whose dream and vision resulted in the developing of the Montego Bay Harbour, and served the Chairman of the Western Regional Health Authority as its chairman up to 2017. In highlighting some of Mr. Hart’s contributions Mayor Davis said the businessman 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 harbor at Montego Freeport which has allowed bigger cruise and cargo ships to dock at pier side.” Mayor Davis said. He added that Mr. Hart “dabbled” in politics, firstly serving as a success campaign manager for the late Dr. Herbert Eldermire in 1962 before running unsuccessfully in the general elections of 1972. In highlighting Mr. Hart’s many and varied involvement in the development of Jamaica in general and Montego Bay in particular, Mayor Davis said “Tony Hart’s contri- bution to construction, business and tourism resulted in Montego Bay growing exponentially and became the tourism capital of Jamaica as well as the commercial centre of western Jamaica. This astute gentleman was never too busy to take on another demanding job in service to his country. He served as was chairman of the national airline, Air Jamaica from 1980 to 1989 and during that time Jamaica welcomed the world’s fastest commercial plane, the Concorde to Jamaican skies which tripled business on the New York leg.” He added that “Tony Hart’s fingerprints remain visible in many areas today, having served as Chairman-founder of the Montego Freeport Limited, Chairman, Apparel Handlers, Chairman, Caymanas Track Limited, Chairman, Samuel Hart and Son, Chairman, Coconut Industry Board, Commodore, Montego Bay Yacht Club, Founder and Director of Records Limited and Federal Records Limited, Director, Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited, Director, Jamaica Development Bank, Director, Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College among others.” Mayor Davis said Mr. Hart’s contribution to nation building was recognized by the government as he was conferred with the Order of Jamaica, OJ to add to the Commander of the Order of Distinction, CD). The city of Montego Bay owes Tony Hart a debt of gratitude for the innovations which he brought to the city which resulted in major infrastructural developments, unprecedented investments and the creation of sustainable jobs. “It is said that “greatness is not a destination: it is a continuous journey that never ends”. Tony Hart has left very large shoes which will be difficult to fill. However, Jamaica, Montego Bay and St. James will remain forever grateful for the role he played in helping to develop our country and our people. On behalf of the St. James Municipal Corporation and the people of St. James, I offer sincere condolences to Mr. Hart’s Widow, Sheila, children Mark Hart, Bruce Hart, Blaise Hart and Wendy Hart Schrager, to his many friends and associates”, Mayor Davis said. MAYOR OF MONTEGO BAY PAYS TRIBUTE TO BUSINESSMAN “TONY” HART TODAY, WE honour and remember the life of Montego Bay mogul, Mr Antony Hart, otherwise called Tony Hart. As custos, on behalf of the justices of the peace and the citizens of St James, I express condolences to his dear wife, children and extended family. Today, we join with the family members to share in their loss and grief. We deeply regret the passing of this giant of a man. This legendary businessman is credited for the development of the Montego Bay Freeport, which came into being in the late 1960s and is now the business hub in St James. Mr Hart was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his contribution to nation- building, and served in leadership roles in the public and private sectors, including at the Montego Freeport Limited, Apparel Handlers, Caymanas Track Limited, chairman, Samuel Hart and Son, Coconut Industry Board, Montego Bay Yacht Club, Records Limited, and Federal Records Limited. He was also the first Montegonian to be inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame. He was professional, commercially astute and very hard-working. He was an “exemplary businessman” with great support from his family, but had time for others. Jamaica has lost another patriot who has served not just our parish, but our country with distinction. Mr Hart also served as justice of the peace for many years, which, as custos of St James, it was a pleasure knowing him. During his tenure as a justice of the peace, he also displayed a high standard of professionalism in carrying out his responsibilities to the citizens. Bishop ConradH. Pitkin CD, JP Custos Rotulorum for the parish of St James Anotedphilanthropist A legendary businessman I AM saddened by news of the death of Montego Bay entrepreneur Antony ‘Tony’ Hart. Mr Hart was a successful businessman who conceptualised and established a series of ventures, including the development of the Montego Bay Freeport, which came into being in the late 1960s and is now the business hub in St James. He served on a number of public boards and was always willing to lend his voice and expertise to national causes. His business acumen was as immeasurable as it was distinct. However, his life transcended business, having made manifold contribution to public service, as a political leader, and subsequently helming various public organisations, providing invaluable leadership. Tony Hart was a noted philanthropist who was committed to service to the people of Jamaica and national development, especially in relation to the city of Montego Bay. Mr Hart was recognised and celebrated locally and internationally, and was honoured at the national level. He was also the first Montegonian to be inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Hall of Fame. I offer condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Tony Hart. Dr Peter Phillips, MP Leader of the Opposition From left: A young Tony Hart with his sisters Jean (now deceased) and Pat. TRIBUTE TO ANTONY HART FEATURE