SOUTH FLORIDA – A Condolence Book for former Governor General of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Sir Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke, opens tomorrow Tuesday (July 29), through Friday (Aug. 1), between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., at the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami. The office is located at 25 Southeast Second Avenue, Suite 609 in downtown Miami.
Sir Howard died at the age of 98 on Thursday, July 11.
The Condolence Book will also be opened on Sunday (August 3) at the annual Ecumenical Service commemorating Jamaica’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence, starting at 4:00 p.m., at the Faith Center, 5555 NW 95th Avenue in Sunrise.
Born in Goodwill, St. James, on November 13, 1915, Sir Howard Cooke was the son of David Brown Cooke and Mary Jane Minto.
Sir Howard held a long and extensive career in public service which lasted almost 70 years. A supporter of the Nationalist Movement of the early 1930s, and a founding member of the People’s National Party (PNP), his career in representational politics began in 1958, when he was elected to the West Indies Federal Parliament as representative for St. James. He became a Government Senator in 1962, serving until 1967. He then served in the House of Representatives until 1980, as a Minister of Government holding, at different times, the portfolios of Education, Pension and Social Security, and Labour and the Public Service. He became Governor-General on August 1, 1991, and served in this capacity for almost 15 years.
Affectionately known as “Teacher Cooke”, Sir Howard was educated at Mico College and London University. For 23 years, he served as a teacher, starting at Mico College and Mico Practicing School. He later served as headmaster at Belle Castle All-Age School, Port Antonio, Upper School and Montego Bay Boys’ School. He was also a member and former president of the Jamaica Union of Teachers.
He was instrumental in programs for youth development serving as scoutmaster and secretary for the St. Andrew Boys’ Scout Association. He captained the County of Cornwall cricket team, and, at various times was a member of the football team at various clubs including at Mico College, YMCA, Portland and St. James parish teams. He was instrumental in the establishment of community centers in East Portland and various community organizations in his home parish of St. James. He was a member of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), and served as secretary, local chairman and judge of the St. James Cultural Commission.
Sir Howard was an active member, elder, and even lay pastor within the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. He served on numerous committees of the church and was responsible for the Layperson’s Initiative. He was a member of the ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons.
Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall paid tribute to Sir Howard describing him as “an esteemed public servant and an outstanding Jamaican of impeccable moral integrity. He served his country with dedication, distinction and selflessness” he added.
