R. Danny Williams, a outstanding Jamaican businessman, former authorities minister, and philanthropist, has died.
The enterprise mogul died at a hospital in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 16 on the age of 89.
Williams was the founding father of the first-ever Jamaican-owned insurance coverage firm, Lifetime of Jamaica, now often known as Sagicor — one of many Caribbean’s main monetary establishments, in 1970.
In a statement, the corporate mentioned: “All through his distinguished 63-year profession, the Hon. R. Danny Williams performed an instrumental position in shaping the Jamaican Life Insurance coverage Business, in addition to the success and progress of Sagicor Group Jamaica. … The profound affect of our beloved Danny will proceed to form the longer term and course of Sagicor. His departure has left a void in our hearts at Sagicor and certainly all the Jamaican enterprise group. We be part of with all of Jamaica in providing our honest condolences to his spouse, Shirley, of 69 years, and the remainder of his prolonged household. Could he Relaxation in Peace.”
Sagicor’s present President and CEO Christopher Zacca acknowledged that “He was deeply liked, revered, and admired by colleagues, workers, and business friends alike for his integrity and compassion. We mirror on his immense contribution to Jamaica and the large legacy he leaves behind.”
Williams served the federal government of Jamaica in a number of capacities: He additionally served the federal government of Jamaica for 3 years (from 1977 to 1979) as a Senator, Minister of State, and Minister of Business and Commerce, respectively through the Michael Manley-led administration.
In 1972, Williams was awarded the Nationwide Honour of Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD) and in 1993 was conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for voluntary service to his group.
Proud JC Alum
He was additionally a number one philanthropist, contributing to varied causes and establishments over time, most notably to his alma mater Jamaica School.
All through his profession, Williams was mentioned to have raised over a billion Jamaican {dollars} for the varsity. He additionally established the Jamaica School Basis R. Danny Williams Scholarship Endowment and donated all proceeds (over JMD $22 million) from his 2019 biography I Tried to Make a Distinction to the fund.
In 2022, Jamaica School and the JC Basis named a constructing on the campus in his honor.
Tributes from authorities ministers
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who served in Cupboard with Williams through the Nineteen Seventies, paid tribute to Williams, saying he had “misplaced a valuable good friend.”
“Jamaica is now the poorer for the demise of Hon R. Danny Williams. He ranks throughout the highest echelons of dedicated leaders who’ve contributed past measure to the expansion and esteem of our island. He was a towering large within the fields of enterprise, schooling, establishment constructing, and deserving charitable causes.
“I’ve misplaced a valuable good friend and a useful political colleague.
“No phrases are ample to thank Shirley, his lifelong accomplice, for sharing him so generously with all the nation and taking such excellent care of him. To her and the household, by blood and prolonged, we categorical our profound sympathy. All Jamaica is bereaved.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness additionally mentioned he was deeply saddened by the demise of R Danny Williams.
“Could his life and legacy proceed to encourage us as we recall with gratitude his service to public life and throughout the personal sector, which has positively impacted the Jamaican panorama,” Mr Holness mentioned by way of the social media platform X, previously Twitter.
A tribute additionally got here from Opposition Chief Mark Golding, who described Williams as “a real Jamaican patriot.”
“Danny’s legendary prowess in elevating funds for worthy causes is unmatched in trendy Jamaica, and several other necessary establishments have benefited from these efforts. Jamaica has misplaced an awesome son of the soil,” he mentioned.
