Tribute to the Honourable Clarence Nelson

Ladies and gentlemen, while I'm personally very saddened that we have occasion to meet in this way, I'm honoured to have the opportunity to pay tribute to a true son of Jamaica, a personal friend, and a member of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, which I represent today.

Benjamin Disraeli said: "Life is too short to be little. Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and expresses himself with frankness and with fervour."

Friends, I'm sure you will agree with me that the Honourable Clarence Nelson was a man who spoke frankly and with fervour on matters generally, and certainly on those issues relating to the shipping industry, which he loved so passionately.

Many in our industry remember him as a man who spoke his truth freely, sincerely, and without fear or favour, and in all things remaining undaunted. His outstanding contribution to the growth of shipping is unparalleled, and he was known as the pioneer shipping executive in this part of the island through his company, Turnel Shipping Limited, and even before that, in his work with the Banana Board and the Coffee Industry Board.

It is said that when we die, we take nothing of the material possessions that we acquired in life and the only thing that remains to signify our time on this planet is the memories of the things we do and the things we said. Clarence's family should be proud to know that the overwhelming response of those persons with whom he conducted business is that his word was bankable ... . His word was his bond and you could take his personal assurance as consummation of an agreement.

But while we in the shipping fraternity hold him in such high regard for the work that he did to develop our industry, many others from other spheres of Jamaican society can equally attest to the contribution that he made to nation building. Clarence was a man of principle whose dedication to Jamaica saw him rise, among other roles, to the position of custos of St James, and we took pride in this because he was one of us. He worked tirelessly to promote his parish, his country and his people.

I've had the personal pleasure of being able to call him friend, and I mourn today with his family.

Clarence, we shall miss you. May your soul rest in peace and light eternal shine upon you.

Presented by Denise Lyn Fatt, vice-president - Shipping Association of Jamaica, on the occasion of his funeral on Saturday, February 15, 2014.