NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 32 and private sectors – giving of his personal time and resources to help underserved and underprivileged Jamaicans.” Williams was the founder of Jamaica’s first domestically owned life insurance company, Life of Jamaica, now Sagicor Life Jamaica. “May his life and legacy continue to inspire us as we recall with gratitude his service to public life and within private sector, which has positively impacted the Jamaican landscape,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Opposition Leader Mark Golding said Jamaica has lost a great son of the soil. “Danny’s legendary prowess in raising funds for worthy causes is unmatched in modern Jamaica, and several important institutions have benefited from those efforts,” Golding noted of Williams’ humanitarian work. Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said Jamaica is now the poorer for Williams’ passing. “He ranks within the highest echelons of committed leaders who have contributed beyond measure to the growth and esteem of our island. He was a towering giant in the fields of business, education, institution building and deserving charitable causes,” said Patterson. “I have lost a precious friend and an invaluable political colleague. No words are sufficient to thank Shirley, his lifelong partner, for sharing him so generously with the entire country and taking such good care of him. To her and the family, by blood and extended, we express our profound sympathy. All Jamaica is bereaved.” Former President of the People’s National Party, Dr Peter Phillips, said Williams was a truly great Jamaican and a pioneering spirit who contributed tremendously to the development of his country and its institutions. R. DANNY WILLIAMS TRIBUTE Published September 17, 2023 HAILED FOR his selfless contribution to the growth and development of Jamaica, sector leaders have saluted Dr R. Danny Williams OJ, CD, who died yesterday at the age of 89. Williams – an insurance pioneer, philanthropist, nation-builder extraordinaire and a former Cabinet minister – died at a hospital in Miami, Florida, where he had undergone surgery. “He was deeply loved, respected and admired by colleagues, employees, and industry peers alike for his integrity and compassion. We reflect on his immense contribution to Jamaica and the tremendous legacy he leaves behind,” said Christopher Zacca, chairman, president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica. “He was a selfless person who dedicated his life to service in various capacities – both in the public Pioneer. Visionary. Patriot. – R. Danny Williams leaves behind a tremendous legacy Dr R. Danny Williams (centre), chairman of Sagicor Foundation, is greeted with a kiss from Stacey McKenzie, International supermodel, while Yohan Blake, World and Olympic champion, looks on at the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run 2019 official launch at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. FILE Published September 18, 2023 THE PRIVATE Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) on Saturday night added its voice to the tributes that have been pouring in since the death of revered businessman R. Danny Williams. Williams, a founding member of the PSOJ, philanthropist, and public servant, was hailed by the Metry Seaga-headed organisation as an exceptional Jamaican businessman, patriot, and philanthropist. “He was a true beacon of Jamaica, remembered for his selfless service to nation-building and significant contributions to both the public and private sectors,” the PSOJ said in a statement. Williams was the founder of Jamaica’s first domestically owned life-insurance company, Life of Jamaica, now Sagicor Life Jamaica. In its statement, the PSOJ said he played a pivotal role in achieving numerous significant milestones and successes within Sagicor Group Jamaica. “As director emeritus, he earned several well-deserved accolades, having dedicated over 62 years of his life to the development of the PSOJ, Sagicor join in mourning ‘true Jamaican icon’ R. Danny Williams PLEASE SEE ICON, 34
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