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{{Short description|Former Prime Minister of Jamaica (1930–2019)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[The Most Honourable]]
| birth_name = Edward Philip George Seaga
| honorific-suffix = [[Order of the Nation|ON]] [[Privy Council (United Kingdom)|PC]]
| image = Seaga at AFB Andrews (cropped).jpeg
| caption = Seaga in 1983
| office = 5th [[Prime Minister of Jamaica]]
| monarch = [[Elizabeth II]]
| governor-general = [[Florizel Glasspole|Sir Florizel Glasspole]]
| deputy = [[Hugh Shearer]]
| term_start = 1 November 1980
| term_end = 10 February 1989
| predecessor = [[Michael Manley]]
| successor = Michael Manley
| office1 = [[Leader of the Opposition (Jamaica)|Leader of the Opposition]]
| term_start1 = 10 February 1989
| term_end1 = 21 January 2005
| monarch1 = Elizabeth II
| primeminister1 = Michael Manley<br> [[P. J. Patterson]]
| predecessor1 = [[Michael Manley]]
| successor1 = [[Bruce Golding]]
| monarch2 = Elizabeth II
| primeminister2 = Michael Manley
| term_start2 = 23 November 1974
| term_end2 = 1 November 1980
| predecessor2 = [[Hugh Shearer]]
| successor2 = Michael Manley
| office3 = [[Jamaica Labour Party|Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party]]
| term_start3 = 23 November 1974
| term_end3 = 21 January 2005
| predecessor3 = Hugh Shearer
| successor3 = [[Bruce Golding]]
| office4 = [[Parliament of Jamaica|Member of Parliament]] for <br>[[Kingston Western (Jamaica Parliament constituency)|Kingston Western]]
| term_start4 = 10 April 1962
| term_end4 = 21 January 2005
| predecessor4 = Hugh Shearer
| successor4 = Bruce Golding
| office5 = [[Parliament of Jamaica|Member of the Legislative Council]]
| term_start5 = 1959
| term_end5 = 1962
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1930|5|28}}
| birth_place = [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2019|5|28|1930|5|28}}
| death_place = [[Miami]], [[Florida]], U.S.
| party = [[Jamaica Labour Party]]
| citizenship = Jamaica<br >United States (renounced)
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* {{Marriage|Marie 'Mitsy' Constantine|1965|1995|end=divorced}}
* {{Marriage|Carla Vendryes|1996}}
}}
| children = 4
| profession =
| alma_mater = [[Harvard University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|AB]])
| signature =
| footnotes =
}}
'''Edward Philip George Seaga''' {{postnominals|country=JAM|ON|PC}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|iː|ɑː|ɡ|ə}} {{respell|SEE|ah|gə}}; 28 May 1930 – 28 May 2019)<ref>{{cite news |title=Edward Seaga obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/28/edward-seaga-obituary |access-date=28 May 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Peter |last=Mason |date=28 May 2019}}</ref> was a Jamaican politician and record producer.<ref name=Birth>{{cite news|title=Birthdays today|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/archive/2013-5-28.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130528123823/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/archive/2013-5-28.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 28 May 2013 |newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=24 May 2014|date=28 May 2013|quote=Mr Edward Seaga, Prime Minister of Jamaica, 1980–90, 83 }}</ref> He was the [[Prime Minister of Jamaica#Prime Ministers of Jamaica|fifth Prime Minister]] of Jamaica, from 1980 to 1989, and the leader of the [[Jamaica Labour Party]] from 1974 to 2005.<ref name="BBC">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/2333211.stm Profile: Edward Seaga]", [[BBC]]; retrieved 8 April 2012.</ref> He served as leader of the opposition from 1974 to 1980, and again from 1989 until January 2005.
His retirement from political life marked the end of Jamaica's founding generation in active politics. He was the last serving politician to have entered public life before independence in 1962, as he was appointed to the Legislative Council (now the Senate) in 1959. Seaga is credited with having built the financial and planning infrastructure of the country after independence, as well as having developed its arts and crafts, and awareness of national heritage.
As a record producer and record company owner of [[West Indies Records Limited]], Seaga also played a major role in the development of the Jamaican music industry. Seaga died on 28 May 2019, on his eighty-ninth birthday.
==Early life==
Edward Philip George Seaga was born on 28 May 1930, in [[Boston]], Massachusetts, United States to Philip George Seaga, who was of [[Lebanese Jamaicans|Lebanese Jamaican]] descent, and Erna (née Maxwell), who was Jamaican of [[Afro-Jamaican|African]], [[Scottish Jamaicans|Scottish]] and [[Indo-Jamaican|Indian]] descent.<ref name="BBC" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Helps|first1=HG|title=Seaga turns 85 today|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Seaga-turns-85-today_19028648|website=[[The Jamaica Observer]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530002032/https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Seaga-turns-85-today_19028648/ |archivedate=30 May 2015}}</ref> Erna was the daughter of Elizabeth Campbell (maiden name), daughter of John Zungaroo Campbell. Phillip Seaga had moved to the US seeking to take advantage of the prosperity of the [[Roaring Twenties]], but the [[Wall Street crash of 1929]] scotched those dreams. Three months after Edward's birth in Boston, the Seagas returned to Jamaica.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} He was baptised in [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]]'s Anglican Parish Church on 5 December 1930.
The young Seaga was educated at Wolmer's Boys', one of the [[Wolmer's Schools]] in Jamaica. He went to the United States for higher education, graduating from [[Harvard College|Harvard University]] in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts (Harvard AB) degree in the Social Sciences.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Headley|first1=Bernard|title=Edward Seaga: A political life|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/73299_Edward-Seaga--A-political-life|access-date=2 November 2015|work=Jamaica Obverse|date=16 January 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722050044/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/73299_Edward-Seaga--A-political-life|archive-date=22 July 2015}}</ref> Before embarking on his political career, Seaga was a music producer and promoter. He subsequently took a research post at the [[University of the West Indies]].<ref name="BBC" />
==Music industry career==
Seaga's research led to an interest in popular Jamaican music. In 1955, he supervised the recording of an album of ethnic Jamaican music.<ref name="Eder">Eder, Bruce "[http://www.allmusic.com/artist/edward-seaga-p392893/biography Edward Seaga Biography]", [[Allmusic]], retrieved 8 April 2012.</ref> He continued to produce recordings by other artists and in the late 1950s set up West Indies Records Limited, releasing early recordings by artists such as [[Higgs and Wilson]] and [[Byron Lee & the Dragonaires]].<ref name="Eder" /> Beginning in 1961, Seaga lived in [[Kingston, Jamaica|West Kingston]]. He became deeply involved in its music scene and recorded some of its artists.
West Indies Records Limited became the most successful record company in the West Indies.<ref name="Eder" /> After being elected in 1962 as a Member of Parliament, representing the [[Jamaica Labour Party]], he sold the company to [[Byron Lee]]. It was renamed Dynamic Sounds.<ref name="Eder" />
Over 16 years, Seaga worked on compiling a collection of Jamaican music covering the period from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s. This anthology, ''[[Reggae Golden Jubilee| Reggae Golden Jubilee Origins of Jamaican Music]]'', was released on 6 November 2012 in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of [[Independence of Jamaica|Jamaican independence]].<ref name="ObsBox">"[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/VP-to-launch-Seaga-s-music_12605714 VP Records to launch Seaga's 'Origins of Jamaican Music']", ''[[Jamaica Observer]]'', 25 September 2012; retrieved 29 September 2012</ref>
==Early political career==
Seaga's political career began in 1959 when [[Alexander Bustamante]], founder of the JLP, nominated him to serve in the [[Upper House]] of the [[Jamaican Parliament]], the Legislative Council (later the Senate).<ref name="Eder" /> His appointment at the age of 29 made him the youngest member ever appointed to the Legislative Council.<ref name="Eder" /> While he was in the Senate, Seaga made his well-reported speech about the "haves" and the "have nots".
As one of the founding fathers in the framing of the [[Jamaican Constitution]] in 1961, Seaga spearheaded far-reaching constitutional reforms. He initiated a re-write of the [[human rights]] section of the Constitution, to provide for a [[Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms]]; creation of the post of [[Public Defender]]; and curtailment of some of the powers of the Prime Minister to provide a better balance of power between the executive and the parliament in the Jamaican system of governance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Condolence_books_open_for_Edward_Seaga?profile=&template=PrinterVersion|title=Jamaica Observer Limited|website=jamaicaobserver.com|access-date=2020-01-16}}</ref>
In April 1962, Seaga was elected Member of Parliament for [[West Kingston, Jamaica|West Kingston]], the waterfront area in the capital city. Historically, it has been the oldest settlement in Kingston for poor, working-class residents, many of whom are unemployed.<ref name="Eder" /> Employment is largely petty trading with some semi-skilled craftsmen. He held that seat for 43 consecutive years, until he retired, making him the longest-serving Member of Parliament in the history of Jamaica and the [[Caribbean region]].<ref name="BBC" /> He is the only person to have been elected as Member of Parliament for West Kingston for more than one term, and won 10 consecutive terms.
Immediately after winning his seat in 1962, Seaga was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Development and Welfare, with responsibility for all areas of planning, social development and culture. He initiated the redevelopment of Back O'Wall, a notorious large slum in West Kingston, and its replacement by housing, schools and community amenities, which was named [[Tivoli Gardens, Jamaica|Tivoli Gardens]].
Seaga also used his position to continue to promote Jamaican music.<ref name="Eder" />
Following the [[1967 Jamaican general election]], Seaga was appointed [[Minister of Finance and the Public Service|Minister of Finance]] and Planning.<ref name="Eder" /> In 1964, Seaga championed the cause calling for the return of the remains of [[Marcus Garvey]] to Jamaica. However, four years later, Seaga was a part of the Cabinet of prime minister [[Hugh Shearer]] that banned [[Walter Rodney]] from Jamaica for allegedly stirring up racial hatred.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
In the [[1972 Jamaican general election]], the PNP led by [[Michael Manley]] won 37 seats to the JLP's 16, and Shearer and Seaga were swept out of power. In 1974 he became Leader of the JLP, a post he held for 30 years; he was also Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition in various periods.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-13 |title=Seaga had planned to step away from politics, but… |url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2024/10/13/seaga-planned-step-away-politics/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Jamaica Observer |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Eder" /> In the [[1976 Jamaican general election]], the PNP won another landslide, winning 47 seats to the JLP's 13. The turnout was a very high 85 percent.<ref name="Dieter Nohlen 2005 p. 430">Dieter Nohlen (2005) ''Elections in the Americas: A data handbook'', Volume I, p. 430.</ref>
There was a lot of political violence in the 1970s. This allegedly started in 1975, after [[Henry Kissinger]] failed in his attempts to get Manley to stop his support for [[Cuba]] and [[Angola]], and their fight against the armies of apartheid [[South Africa]]. According to former CIA agent turned Marxist [[Philip Agee]], the CIA supplied arms to supporters of the JLP, and there was a significant upturn in political violence;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karp |first=Walter |date=2019-08-23 |title=New Cloaks for the CIA |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2019/08/23/new-cloaks-for-the-cia/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=The Village Voice}}</ref> Seaga repeatedly denied the accusation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-05 |title=Seaga raps Wignall: CIA did not support JLP in 1980 |url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/seaga-raps-wignall-cia-did-not-support-jlp-in-1980/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Jamaica Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[1980 Jamaican general election]] featured considerable violence including running gun-battles, and would be won by the JLP in a landslide.
==Prime minister==
[[File:Departure Ceremony for visit of Prime Minister Edward Seaga and Mitzy Seaga of Jamaica with President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan.jpg|thumb|Seaga and his wife Mitzy with US President Ronald Reagan and First Lady [[Nancy Reagan]] (1981)]]
Edward P.G. Seaga became [[Prime Minister of Jamaica]] following 30 October 1980 general election, when the JLP won a landslide victory over the incumbent PNP, with the largest mandate until 1993, when the PNP surpassed that total. Out of 60 seats contested in 1980, the JLP won 51 seats to the PNP's nine.<ref name="Dieter Nohlen 2005 p. 430"/>
The mandate of Seaga and the JLP was renewed in the uncontested 1983 General Elections.<ref name="Eder" /> He continued as prime minister until February 1989.
Widely regarded as the most influential Jamaican Prime Minister, Seaga was a controversial figure. His supporters claim that he 'saved' Jamaica from communism, while others assert that he 'mash up' Jamaica. Columnist and attorney-at-law Daniel Thwaites said that while these diametrically opposed sentiments run to the extremes, both are surprisingly prevalent. "It is a barometer of the lasting contentiousness and potential divisiveness of any appraisal of Papa Eddie", Thwaites said, arguing that the only other figure in Jamaican political history who could possibly be as controversial as Seaga would be his nemesis, the late former Prime Minister Michael Manley. Thwaites said, "because of their titanic decades-long confrontation, they will be forever – and, perhaps ironically – inextricably linked".<ref name="Gleaner">"[http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20190529/seaga-one-don-controversy [[Gleaner Company]]; retrieved 29 May 2019.</ref>
In terms of foreign policy, the Caribbean has long been seen as an unofficial "backyard" of the United States of America. In a region with such a complicated, intertwined history meshed with various world superpowers, the act of making decisions that can irrevocably effect the country is handled with care. Understanding the threat associated with communism, Seaga reversed the hands of friendship extended by Manley to [[Cuba]] and [[Grenada]], two countries that had adopted strong anti-American stances during the Russo-American political standoff of the 70s and 80s. In an attempt to steer his country into the clear, he was forced into adopting an alliance with world leaders such as [[Ronald Reagan]] and [[Margaret Thatcher]]. Seaga cut ties with Cuba shortly after winning the 1980 election, and he, as the representative of the strongest Caribbean nation, indirectly acknowledged the Caribbean's support for the [[United States invasion of Grenada|US invasion of Grenada in 1983]].{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} In doing so, Seaga is credited with preventing the eradication of Jamaica economically and saving the country from a path leading to shackling sanctions like Cuba or a foreign invasion to eliminate communism as seen in Grenada.{{According to whom|date=November 2022}}
In the 1980s, the Seaga administration became embroiled in accusations of a dark circle of narco-banking involving the contras of [[Nicaragua]], the CIA and the Israeli money-launderer Eli Tisona. Seaga's Agro 21 programme was accused of involvement in cocaine trafficking from [[Colombia]], and its Spring Plains project employed Shower Posse's Lester Coke, a.k.a. Jim Brown, as Head of Security. However, these allegations went unproven, with all investigations coming up blank.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
==Leader of the Opposition==
Seaga served as Leader of Opposition from 1974 to 1980. The JLP was defeated in a landslide by Manley's PNP in the [[1989 Jamaican general election]], by a margin of 45 seats to 15, and Seaga returned to a long spell as Leader of Opposition.<ref name="Dieter Nohlen 2005 p. 430"/>
Seaga went on to lead the JLP to defeat in a number of subsequent elections against a PNP led by [[P.J. Patterson]]. In the [[1993 Jamaican general election]], the PNP won 52 seats to the JLP's eight seats, while in the [[1997 Jamaican general election]], the PNP won 50 of the 60 seats available.<ref name="Dieter Nohlen 2005 p. 430"/> Patterson's third consecutive victory came in the [[2002 Jamaican general election]], when the PNP retained power, but with a reduced seat majority of 34 seats to 26.<ref>[[Dieter Nohlen|Nohlen, D]] (2005) ''Elections in the Americas: A data handbook, Volume I'', p430 {{ISBN|978-0-19-928357-6}}</ref> Patterson stepped down on 26 February 2006, and was replaced by [[Portia Simpson-Miller]], Jamaica's first female prime minister.
During this period of time, he suffered leadership challenges from a number of his colleagues, such as the "Gang of Five" of Errol Anderson, Edmund Bartlett, Karl Samuda, Douglas Vaz, and Pearnel Charles. In 1995, [[Bruce Golding]] left the JLP to form a new party, the National Democratic Movement (NDM).{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
In 2002, Golding rejoined the JLP and in November 2003 was again elected chairman of the party. He was elected leader of the JLP, and also the leader of the opposition, on 20 February 2005, succeeding Seaga.
== Legal disputes and controversies ==
=== Defamation defeats ===
Edward Seaga issued a public apology to Kenneth "Skeng Don" Black on December 17, 2003, following a legal dispute over defamation. The apology was part of a settlement after Black sued Seaga for slander/libel, claiming that Seaga had falsely stated he was illiterate and unable to read or write. The case had been ongoing since 2001, and the resolution included Seaga formally retracting his statements. As part of the out-of-court settlement, Seaga was required to broadcast the apology on radio and television and publish it in newspapers within seven days. He also agreed to pay Black’s legal costs of $500,000 JMD, in four monthly instalments.
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://old.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20031217/lead/lead6.html | title=Jamaica Gleaner Online }}</ref>
In 1996, Seaga, then Leader of the Opposition, made statements at a public meeting suggesting that Deputy Commissioner Leslie Harper was politically biased in his official duties. Harper sued Seaga for defamation, arguing that the statements damaged his reputation. The Supreme Court of Jamaica ruled against Seaga in 2003, awarding Harper J$3.5 million in damages, later reduced to J$1.5 million on appeal.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.supremecourt.gov.jm/content/harper-leslie-v-edward-seaga | title=Harper, Leslie v Edward Seaga | Supreme Court }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://jm.vlex.com/vid/harper-leslie-v-edward-793811477 | title=Harper, Leslie v Edward Seaga }}</ref> Seaga then appealed to the Privy Council, but in 2008, the Council upheld the ruling, confirming that Seaga’s statements were defamatory.<ref>https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/5779fc7ce561096c93131b13</ref>
=== Presence at Lester Lloyd Coke's funeral & political fallout ===
Edward Seaga’s decision to attend [[Lester Lloyd Coke]]’s funeral in Kingston, 1992 sparked intense political debate. Coke was widely believed to be a key figure in the Shower Posse, a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and violent activities, particularly in the United States. His sudden death in a fire at the General Penitentiary while awaiting extradition to the U.S. raised suspicions, with some believing he was silenced before he could disclose sensitive information.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2010/06/19/seaga-cannot-have-it-both-ways/ | title=Seaga cannot have it both ways - Jamaica Observer | date=20 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10173302 | title=Jamaica violence 'linked to US drug market' | work=BBC News | date=27 May 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100307/news/news1.html | title=When politicians go naked | date=7 March 2010 }}</ref>
Seaga, then Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), defended his attendance, arguing that he was acting in his capacity as Member of Parliament for West Kingston, where Tivoli Gardens—Jim Brown’s stronghold—was located. However, critics viewed his presence as symbolic support for criminal networks and an example of the deep historical ties between politicians and gang-controlled communities.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2010/06/19/seaga-cannot-have-it-both-ways/ | title=Seaga cannot have it both ways - Jamaica Observer | date=20 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10173302 | title=Jamaica violence 'linked to US drug market' | work=BBC News | date=27 May 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100307/news/news1.html | title=When politicians go naked | date=7 March 2010 }}</ref>
This controversy resurfaced during the 2010 Tivoli Gardens incursion, when security forces clashed with gunmen loyal to Christopher "Dudus" Coke, Jim Brown’s son, leading to over 70 civilian deaths. The event reignited debates about the JLP’s connections to Tivoli Gardens’ criminal elements, with political analysts citing Seaga’s attendance at Jim Brown’s funeral as an example of such relationships.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2010/06/19/seaga-cannot-have-it-both-ways/ | title=Seaga cannot have it both ways - Jamaica Observer | date=20 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10173302 | title=Jamaica violence 'linked to US drug market' | work=BBC News | date=27 May 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100307/news/news1.html | title=When politicians go naked | date=7 March 2010 }}</ref>
Seaga’s tenure as Member of Parliament for West Kingston (which includes Tivoli Gardens) was marked by allegations of political violence and criminal affiliations. Tivoli Gardens became known as a stronghold of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), with reports linking it to organized crime. In 2001, a violent confrontation between police and gunmen in Tivoli Gardens resulted in 27 civilian deaths. Seaga personally entered the area during the gun battle, attempting to mediate, but later expressed deep resentment toward the security forces for their actions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stabroeknews.com/2012/07/22/news/guyana/edward-seagas-brush-with-bullets/ | title=Edward Seaga's brush with bullets | date=22 July 2012 }}</ref> His political influence over Tivoli Gardens remained controversial, with critics arguing that he had institutionalized political violence.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pambazuka.org/edward-seaga-and-institutionalisation-thuggery-violence-and-dehumanisation-jamaica | title=Edward Seaga and the institutionalisation of thuggery, violence and dehumanisation in Jamaica | Pambazuka News }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100602/cleisure/cleisure2.html | title=Tivoli Gardens: A spoilt child out of control | date=2 June 2010 }}</ref>
=== Tivoli Gardens and political garrison allegations ===
Edward Seaga was instrumental in the development of Tivoli Gardens, transforming it from the slum known as Back O’Wall into a structured community. However, critics argue that Tivoli Gardens became Jamaica’s first political garrison, meaning it was a stronghold of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), where political loyalty was enforced through intimidation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nationwideradiojm.com/seagas-legacy-influential-yet-controversial/ | title=Seaga's Legacy: Influential Yet Controversial | date=28 May 2019 }}</ref>
Seaga defended his role, stating that Tivoli Gardens was a community-development model aimed at improving living conditions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100613/focus/focus3.html | title=The Tivoli Gardens community-development model | date=13 June 2010 }}</ref> However, the area remained a flashpoint for political and gang-related conflicts, culminating in the 2010 Tivoli Gardens incursion, where security forces clashed with gunmen loyal to Christopher "Dudus" Coke, resulting in over 70 civilian deaths.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pambazuka.org/edward-seaga-and-institutionalisation-thuggery-violence-and-dehumanisation-jamaica | title=Edward Seaga and the institutionalisation of thuggery, violence and dehumanisation in Jamaica | Pambazuka News }}</ref>
=== "Blood for Blood, Fire for Fire" speech ===
In the 1960s, Seaga made the infamous statement: "Blood for blood, fire for fire", which was widely interpreted as a call for political retaliation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20190529/seaga-one-don-controversy | title=Seaga – 'One Don' of controversy | date=29 May 2019 }}</ref> The phrase became symbolic of Jamaica’s escalating political violence, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, when clashes between JLP and People’s National Party (PNP) supporters led to hundreds of deaths.
Seaga later defended the statement, arguing that it was taken out of context and was meant to denounce violence rather than incite it.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20190529/seaga-one-don-controversy | title=Seaga – 'One Don' of controversy | date=29 May 2019 }}</ref> However, critics maintain that it contributed to Jamaica’s turbulent political climate.
=== Economic policies & IMF agreements ===
During his tenure as Prime Minister (1980–1989), Seaga implemented free-market economic policies, including agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His administration embraced neoliberal reforms, reducing government intervention in the economy and privatizing state-owned enterprises.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.osunglobalcommons.org/development-or-subjugation-the-rise-and-demise-of-jamaicas-battle-with-neoliberalism/ | title=Development or Subjugation? The Rise and Demise of Jamaica's Battle with Neoliberalism }}</ref>
While these policies stabilized Jamaica’s economy, they also led to austerity measures, high unemployment, and social unrest.<ref>{{cite book | chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-44663-5_7 | doi=10.1007/978-3-030-44663-5_7 | chapter=The 1980s and 1990s: Inflection Points? | title=Contextualizing Jamaica's Relationship with the IMF | date=2020 | last1=Clarke | first1=Christine | last2=Nelson | first2=Carol | pages=167–193 | isbn=978-3-030-44662-8 }}</ref> Critics argue that Seaga’s economic approach disproportionately affected the working class, deepening inequalities.
=== Allegations of U.S. involvement in 1980 elections ===
The 1980 general election was one of the bloodiest in Jamaica’s history, with over 800 people killed in politically motivated violence.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20201029/haunted-1980-demon-seaga-dangerous-manley-tales-1980-election | title=Haunted by 1980 | 'Demon' Seaga, 'dangerous' Manley: Tales of the 1980 election | date=29 October 2020 }}</ref> Reports later surfaced suggesting that Seaga’s campaign received covert support from the U.S. government, including funding and intelligence assistance.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2633631 | jstor=2633631 | title=The United States and Jamaica: Playing the American Card | last1=Libby | first1=Ronald T. | journal=Latin American Perspectives | date=1990 | volume=17 | issue=1 | pages=86–109 | doi=10.1177/0094582X9001700106 }}</ref>
Seaga denied any CIA involvement, stating that such claims were propaganda.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2012/07/04/seaga-raps-wignall-cia-did-not-support-jlp-in-1980/ | title=Seaga raps Wignall: CIA did not support JLP in 1980 - Jamaica Observer | date=5 July 2012 }}</ref> However, political analysts argue that Jamaica’s shift toward pro-Western policies under Seaga aligned with U.S. interests during the Cold War.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2633631 | jstor=2633631 | title=The United States and Jamaica: Playing the American Card | last1=Libby | first1=Ronald T. | journal=Latin American Perspectives | date=1990 | volume=17 | issue=1 | pages=86–109 | doi=10.1177/0094582X9001700106 }}</ref>
=== Leadership struggles & JLP infighting ===
Seaga led the JLP for over 30 years, but his leadership was often challenged internally. In the early 2000s, younger party members, including Bruce Golding, pushed for leadership changes, arguing that Seaga’s style was outdated.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/commentary/20190611/norris-mcdonald-edward-seaga-and-political-conflicts-jamaica | title=Norris McDonald | Edward Seaga and political conflicts in Jamaica | date=11 June 2019 }}</ref>
Seaga eventually stepped down in 2005, marking the end of an era in Jamaican politics. His departure allowed the JLP to modernize its approach, leading to Golding’s rise to power in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nationwideradiojm.com/seagas-legacy-influential-yet-controversial/ | title=Seaga's Legacy: Influential Yet Controversial | date=28 May 2019 }}</ref>
=== Tainted or Drug Money Scandal ===
In November 2003, Edward Seaga, then Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), raised concerns about the source of campaign financing within his party. He specifically questioned the legitimacy of funds used by James Robertson in his campaign for Deputy Leader of JLP’s Area Council 2. The controversy escalated when [[Daryl Vaz]], who managed Robertson’s campaign finances, responded by challenging Seaga to provide evidence of his claims about "tainted money".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2003/11/13/put-up-or-shut-up/ | title='Put up or shut up!' - Jamaica Observer | date=14 November 2003 }}</ref>
Seaga wrote to Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, requesting a meeting to discuss the broader issue of campaign financing and the conduct of candidates in sourcing and spending funds.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://old.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20031122/news/news1.html | title=Jamaica Gleaner Online }}</ref> Acting on a letter from Vaz, Police Commissioner Francis Forbes ordered an investigation into Seaga’s allegations.
Vaz and Robertson’s team considered legal action against Seaga, including a potential libel suit, unless he retracted his claims or provided concrete evidence.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2003/11/13/put-up-or-shut-up/ | title='Put up or shut up!' - Jamaica Observer | date=14 November 2003 }}</ref> The dispute reflected deeper tensions within the JLP, particularly between Seaga and younger party members pushing for leadership changes.
==Contributions to independent Jamaica==
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2022}}
===Economic and financial development===
Seaga established many of the financial institutions required in newly independent Jamaica to build a financial market for successful economic investment and growth, including the following:
*1967, first Jamaican majority-owned commercial bank – Jamaica Citizens Bank (JCB)
*1968, Jamaica Stock Exchange
*1969, [[decimalization]] of the Jamaican currency
*1969, [[nationalization]] of financial institutions - banks and insurance companies
*1969, Introduction of merchant banking
*1971, Jamaica Unit Trust
'''1972''' Jamaica Mortgage Bank
'''1981''' [[National Development Bank]] (NDB)
'''1981''' [[Agricultural Credit Bank]] (ACB)
'''1982''' Agro 21
*1982, Divestment Programme, commencing with lease of government-owned hotels
*1984, Self-Start Fund
*1985, Comprehensive Tax Reforms including a flat income tax rate for all
*1985, Solidarity Programme for micro-businesses
*1986, Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank)
*1986, De-regulation of economy, commencing with removal of import licensing; later price controls
*1986, Privatization of financial institutions – NCB
*1987, JAMPRO (formerly JNIP)
*1988, Digiport – first satellite telecommunications data processing operation – Montego Bay
*1988, One Million Trees Programme
===Planning and development===
Rural and urban planning and the environment have been prime areas of development in Seaga's career. He has focused on waterfront development in the main coastal towns and cities, rural and urban township development programmes, and the development of parks and markets. They included the following:
*1963, 5-Year Development Plan
*1966, Redevelopment of Kingston Waterfront
*1967, Comprehensively planned urban communities – runs out the rasta from the Back-o-Wall community claiming to redevelop as Tivoli Garden, a modern, fully planned urban development; Hellshire Hills development; Torrington Park
*1967, Reclamation and development of Ocho Rios Waterfront (Turtle Beach)
*'''1968''' Urban Development Corporation
'''1969''' Comprehensive development plan for infrastructure of many rural towns (later CRDTDP)
'''1971''' 20-Year Physical Development Plan
'''1983''' National Conference Centre - headquarters of the International Seabed Authority
'''1983''' National Committee for Drug Abuse
'''1985''' MPM - Beautification and Public Cleansing
'''1988''' Reclamation of Montego Bay Waterfront
'''1988''' Negril development (Bloody Bay)
'''1988''' Social Well-being Plan
<small>'''Various Times'''</small> Land Bank - purchase of 50,000 acres of prime properties for future development (Negril, Orange Bay, Auchindown, Mt. Edgecombe, Seville, Laughing Water, Belmont (Dunns River), Winifred Rest Home property, Caymanas).
<small>'''Various Times'''</small> Development of several hotels - Kingston Waterfront, Ocho Rios, Negril.
===Social programmes===
Seaga was the architect of a wide range of social programmes which expanded training in human resources, aided small enterprises and protected the poor and vulnerable.
'''1963''' Construction of the National Arena
'''1963''' Things Jamaican - craft development
'''1963''' Launching of the Drug Abuse Committee (later Council)
'''1964''' 100 Village Community Development Programme
'''1965''' Community sports development on a structured islandwide basis
'''1965''' The Golden Age Movement
'''1965''' The National Volunteers
'''1970''' Student Revolving Loan Fund for Higher Education
'''1971''' National School Feeding Programme
'''1972''' Establishment of Jamaica Racing Commission and Jockey School
'''1974''' Institute of Mass Communication; later renamed Caribbean Institute of Media & Communication (CARIMAC)
'''1982''' H.E.A.R.T. (Human Employment & Resource Training)
'''1984''' Food Stamp Programme for elderly poor and lactating mothers
'''1984''' ARP - Administrative Reform Programme for fundamental Civil Service reforms
'''1985''' Golden Age Home for the elderly poor
'''1986''' L.E.A.P. (Learning for Earning Activity Programme) for street children
'''1988''' P.A.C.E. (Programme for Advancement of Early Childhood Education)
'''1988''' Residential Halls for UWI, UTECH and Cultural Training Centre
===Cultural programmes===
Seaga established in independent Jamaica most of the institutions to build cultural awareness and national identity, as well as develop arts, crafts and national heritage.
'''1963''' Jamaica Festival
'''1964''' Promotion to launch Jamaican music (ska) abroad
'''1964''' Return and interment of [[Marcus Garvey]]'s body at Jamaica
'''1964''' Order of National Heroes - Garvey first named hero
'''1964''' National Heroes Park
'''1965–69''' - development of several museums: [[Arawak]], [[Port Royal]]
'''1967''' ''Jamaica Journal'' publication ([[Institute of Jamaica]])
'''1967''' Research and recording of folk culture
'''1967''' Devon House
'''1968''' National Heritage Week
'''1971''' Design of the Cultural Training Centre (Arts, Drama, Music, Painting & Sculpture)
'''1972''' Jamaica Racing Commission and Jockey School
'''1986''' Establishment of the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC)
'''1988''' Planned development of heritage sites (Port Royal, Spanish Town, Seville)
'''1988''' Media Divestment Programme, to establish several small private radio stations and church television
===Institutional, parliamentary, political and constitutional reforms===
Seaga is recognized as the initiator of some of the most important political, parliamentary and constitutional reforms which affect governance of the country.
'''1961''' Member of the Parliamentary Commission which drafted the Constitution for independent Jamaica
'''1979''' Electoral reforms: structure of EAC
'''1986''' Establishment of Contractor General proposed in 1979
'''1986''' Media Commission
'''1992''' Constitutional Reform: Advocate General (renamed Public Defender)
'''1993''' Constitutional Reform: Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
'''1994''' Several Parliamentary reforms:
*to strengthen the independence of Parliament
*to allow non-Parliamentarians to address Parliament on issues
'''1994''' Money Bills tabled in Parliament to regulate money supply by law
===International programmes===
Jamaica is recognized for initiating several far-reaching international programmes within the Caribbean region and worldwide, due to Seaga's proposals to create new international agreements.
'''1974''' UNESCO International Fund for the Promotion of Culture (Culture Bank)
'''1982''' Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
'''1986''' UNDP - United Nations International Short Term Advisory Resources - UNISTAR (Manpower Bank)
'''1986''' Caribbean Democrat Union (CDU)
'''1986''' CARIBCAN (Canada)
==Publications==
*''Parent Teacher Relationships'', University of the West Indies, 1954
*"Faith Healing in Jamaica", ''International Parapsychology,'' 1955
*"Revival Spirit Cults", ''Jamaica Journal'', Institute of Jamaica
*''The Origins of Jamaican Popular Music''
*''Grenada Intervention: The Inside Story'', 2009
*''Revelations: Beyond Political Boundaries'', Lectures 2005–2009
*''Edward Seaga: My Life and Leadership: Clash of Ideologies'', Volume 1, 2009
*''Edward Seaga: Shaping History: Hard Road to Travel'', Volume 2, 2010
==Recordings==
*''Folk Music of Jamaica'' (album recorded by Ethnic Folkways Library), 1978
*[[Reggae Golden Jubilee|''Reggae Golden Jubilee – Origins of Jamaican Music'']], released on 6 November 2012
==Personal life==
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2022}}
On 22 August 1965, Seaga married Marie Elizabeth "Mitsy" Constantine, Miss Jamaica 1965. They had two sons, Christopher and Andrew, and a daughter Anabella. This marriage was dissolved in 1995.
On 14 June 1996, he married Carla Frances Vendryes. Their daughter Gabrielle was born 16 September 2002. With a Masters in Public Administration, Vendryes Seaga has a special interest in sociological research and the development of Jamaican handicraft. She founded the Solidarity project to assist the poor in small entrepreneurial enterprises. She founded an organization to assist victims of violence.
Seaga was deeply involved in cultural activities, particularly folk music and all aspects of things Jamaican. A keen gardener and amateur landscaper, he used his love for plants and flowers to develop the Enchanted Garden resort, an attraction in Jamaica.
As an athlete, Seaga played on several college and school teams: field hockey, cricket, football, rifle, tennis and swimming (diving). He participated as a member of various hunting clubs and the Jamaica Skeet Club.
==Civic activities==
In West Kingston, he became the president of the Tivoli Gardens Football, Basketball and Netball clubs.{{when|date=November 2022}} He then became Chairman of the Premier League Football Association and the Professional Football Association of Jamaica, with responsibility for the 12 Premier League teams and the staging of the Premier League.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}
==Later years and death==
On 20 January 2005, Edward Seaga retired as Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, a position he had held for 30 years. He retired as a Member of Parliament after serving for 43 years in the House of Representatives, in addition to two years in the Senate. He has the longest period of continuous service of any elected representative in the Caribbean region.
With appointments to academia at the [[University of the West Indies]], the [[Institute of Jamaica]] and the [[University of Technology]], he became engaged in research and writing, as well as teaching and leadership.
On 28 May 2019, his 89th birthday, Seaga died in Miami, Florida, where he had been receiving treatment for [[cancer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190528/edward-seaga-has-died-89|title=Edward Seaga has died at 89|date=28 May 2019|website=jamaica-gleaner.com}}</ref> Seaga's body was repatriated to Jamaica on 2 June,
<ref>{{cite news| last= Mundle| first= Tanesha| date= 2019-06-03| title= Seaga's home| url= https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2019/06/03/seagas-home/| work= Jamaica Observer| ___location= Kingston| access-date= 2024-04-17}}</ref> and received a state funeral on 23 June, with religious services held at the [[Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kingston)|Holy Trinity Cathedral]] before being laid to rest in [[National Heroes Park]].<ref>{{cite news| last= Patterson| first= Chris| date= 2019-06-23| title= Edward Seaga Laid to Rest| url= https://jis.gov.jm/edward-seaga-laid-to-rest/| work= Jamaica Information Service| ___location= Kingston| access-date= 2024-04-17}}</ref>
As of 2023, Seaga's portrait has been featured on the [[Jamaican dollar|Jamaican $2000 bill]] alongside [[Michael Manley]].
==Honours and awards==
*1980, ''[[Fortune Magazine]]'' named him as a "Man of the Year", the first and only such accolade to anyone in this region
*In 1981, Seaga was appointed by Queen [[Elizabeth II]] as a member of Her Majesty's Privy Council.
*In 2002, the Government of Jamaica awarded him the Order of the Nation, the second highest honour
In 2005, the University of the West Indies awarded him the honorary title of Distinguished Fellow for Life.
He was also installed as a Fellow of the Institute of Jamaica, devoted to the arts and sciences.
*That year, he was appointed as Chancellor of the University of Technology
Seaga was also honoured by several other countries:
*1981, [[Republic of Venezuela]] – Grand Collar de Libertador
*Republic of Venezuela – [[Gold Mercury International Award]]; and
*[[Republic of Korea]] – Grand Gwangwa Medal, Order of Diplomatic Service
*1982, [[Federal Republic of Germany]] – Grand Cross of the Order of Merit
*1987, [[Mexico]] – [[Order of the Aztec Eagle]]
He received several prestigious international awards:
*Gleaner Honour Awards: Man of the Year, 1980, 1981
*Avenue of the Americas Association, N.Y. – Gold Key Award (1981)
*American Friendship Medal bestowed by the Freedom Foundation, 1982
*[[Pan American Development Foundation]] Inter-American Man of the Year Development Award (1983)
*Dr. [[Martin Luther King]] Humanitarian Award (1984){{From whom?|reason=Google search shows that many organizations have an award with this name|date=September 2020}}
*[[United Nations Environment Programme]] – the Environmental Leadership Award (1987)
Seaga was appointed as a Distinguished Fellow by the University of the West Indies, Fellow of the Institute of Jamaica, and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Technology
Honorary Degrees:
*[[University of Miami]], LL.D. (1981)
*Tampa University, LL.D. (1982)
*[[University of South Carolina]], LL.D. (1983)
*[[Boston University]], LL.D. (1983)
*[[University of Hartford]], LL.D. (1987)
==References==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
*[http://www.jis.gov.jm/special_sections/This%20Is%20Jamaica/seaga.html Government of Jamaica Information Service Biography Page]{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
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{{succession box|title=[[Leader of the Opposition (Jamaica)|Leader of the Opposition]]|before=[[Hugh Shearer]]|after=[[Michael Manley]]| years=1974–80}}
{{succession box|title=[[Prime Minister of Jamaica]]|before=[[Michael Manley]]|after=[[Michael Manley]]| years=1980–89}}
{{succession box|title=[[Leader of the Opposition (Jamaica)|Leader of the Opposition]]|before=[[Michael Manley]]|after=[[Bruce Golding]]| years=1989–2005}}
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[[Category:American emigrants to Jamaica]]
[[Category:Harvard College alumni]]
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[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Florida]]
[[Category:Wolmer's Schools alumni]]
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