IN JAMAICA: Roger Clarke hailed as champion of poor, affable politician, fine human be ...PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday characterised the late Roger Clarke as one of Jamaica's favourite sons.

PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday characterised the late Roger Clarke as one of Jamaica's favourite sons.

"...We also recall with pride and gratitude the life of a most loyal and prolific warrior and champion for the poor, the underprivileged and the dispossessed in Jamaica," Simpson Miller told the House of Representatives as she kicked off a round of tributes to the former agriculture and fisheries minister at Gordon House, lasting more than two hours.

Tributes to Roger Clarke

She said that Clarke distinguished himself as an outstanding parliamentarian; a representative of the people, a minister of government par excellence, and, a one of a kind politician.

She said that Clarke brought his immense theoretical knowledge and unrivalled practical understanding of his professional field to the art of governance and his chosen vocation of representational politics.

Simpson Miller also recalled Clarke as a close colleague, who always believed in her, her abilities, and in "the sincerity of my mission to serve the people of Jamaica".

"He was a valiant, trusted ally in my personal crusade and professional cause to help the poor, the oppressed, and the disadvantaged. I share in a deep way the monumental sense of loss which is being felt by his loved ones, especially his dear wife, Sonia, and their children," the prime minister said.

She extended sincere condolence to Clarke's family, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica and the People's National Party (PNP).

Enjoying the tributes

Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness also paid tribute to Clarke on behalf of himself and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

"He was the most affable politician I knew. Blessed with wit and an infectious sense of humour, he was able to make us laugh at ourselves," Holness said.

"He resonated with those with whom he came into contact as a sincere and service-driven individual; quite approachable and always prepared to engage persons who reached out to him for assistance in one way or another," Holness added. more