The People’s National Party (PNP) has joined Jamaicans at home and abroad to mourn the passing of Retired United States Army General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Powell was the son of Jamaican immigrants Luther and Maud Powell of Top Hill, St Elizabeth in Jamaica.
He was born in Harlem, New York in 1937.
The PNP noted that Powell was always connected to his Jamaican roots and celebrated his immigrant story as one that only could have happened in America.
In one generation, the son of Jamaican immigrants rose to the rank of National Security Advisor to former President Ronald Reagan (1987-1989); Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for President George H. W. Bush (1989-1993), and Secretary of State to George W. Bush (2001-2005). He broke several colour barriers as he was the first black man to hold the positions listed.
“He is remembered as a true human being, never overbearing, never boastful, always approachable, and ready to help Jamaica in any way he could. Many Jamaicans in the Diaspora are remembering with pride General Powell as always pointing out his family’s roots in South St Elizabeth to everyone he met.”
People’s National Party
“Powell’s story embodies the hopes and aspirations of millions of Jamaicans who migrate over decades to foreign lands but who remain solidly connected to their roots,” the PNP said.
“Jamaicans have impacted the world with their brilliance and contributed to the growth of their adopted homes. Their children – such as General Powell – straddle their birth countries with their Jamaican heritage in the Diaspora and cement an outstanding legacy of Jamaican pride, worldwide.”
The PNP said Powell’s humility, despite his outstanding achievements, is being celebrated.
“He is remembered as a true human being, never overbearing, never boastful, always approachable, and ready to help Jamaica in any way he could. Many Jamaicans in the Diaspora are remembering with pride General Powell as always pointing out his family’s roots in South St Elizabeth to everyone he met,” the PNP said.
Powell, the PNP said, shaped American foreign policy for decades and is remembered as an American patriot and a humble man who publicly admitted to his errors while in public office displaying immeasurable integrity. He stood up for immigrants and openly challenged negative aspersions.
The party said it was saddened by “this monumental loss to the world” and celebrated his life as a proud Jamaican-American and a world ambassador for the island nation.
READ: Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State, dies of COVID-19 complications and Powell, first Black US secretary of state, remembered as ‘one of the greatest leaders’
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