‘He never lost his humble touch’

MEMBERS of the legal, religious, business, and political fraternity gathered at the University Chapel on Friday to wish farewell to renowned attorney-at-law and political stalwart George Soutar. Soutar, who served for years as legal advisor to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), died on August 10 after battling illness for an extended period. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer following the sermon, held at the University Chapel on the Mona campus of The University of the West Indies Mona (The UWI), Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange remembered Soutar for his support when she took on the role of Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central.

“George was someone who was loved by those whose life he impacted, and I am one of those. When I entered representational politics, the late Edward Seaga, former prime minister, asked Mr Soutar to give me the support that was needed and to assist in raising funds as well. He brought a team of individuals in business together to give me the support in a seat that was considered the roughest seat in the island.

Members of the Kingston Chapel Choir performing a piece during the funeral of George Soutar at the University Chapel on Friday. Joseph Wellington “With his support, and the structure that he put in place, I came through in flying colours, because everyone knows Spanish Town is not an easy place. Many individuals in the constituency benefited from his guidance, he was a no-nonsense person as well, he did not encourage antisocial behaviour or disrespect.

He was a good person to have beside me in a constituency that was known to be a difficult one,” said Grange. According to Grange, despite Soutar’s battle with his rare illness, national matters remained a priority for him. “He was still very alert, we spoke frequently.

He was always enquiring about what was happening, keeping abreast, and making recommendations and suggestions which I passed on to the prime minister. He was passionately loyal to his country. As much as he achieved the highest in his profession as a King’s Counsel and honoured by Jamaica, he never lost his humble touch,” said Grange.

King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie sharing his memories of George Soutar. Joseph Wellington Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness lauded Soutar for what he described as, “a critical role played by him in the transition of leadership…