GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin said he was grieved to have learned of the death of former Governor General of Jamaica Sir Howard Cooke over the weekend.

“He was a true pioneer of democracy in Jamaica where he served his country in myriad ways,” said Premier McLaughlin. “The younger generations following in his footsteps would do good to emulate Mr. Cooke who at all times took his mission of service to the public to heart and did so with humility and integrity. He will certainly be missed not only by his countrymen, but those whose lives he touched throughout the Caribbean region and the world.”

Mr. Cooke, a founding member of the People’s National Party, died Friday. He was 98.

Sir Howard, who retired from public service in 2006, passed away at Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston.

He was sworn in as Independent Jamaica’s fourth Governor General on 1 August, 1991.