Prime Minister Andrew Holness has signalled that the country will bestow a significant honour on his mentor, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, for his contribution to the development and modification of a range of national institutions.

His comments came Thursday morning at the naming of Petrojam Limited’s Corporate Office Building as the Edward Seaga Building.

The unveiling of the name took place at the company’s offices on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston.

Minister of Science, Technology and Energy Dr Andrew Wheatley, had proposed that the honour be accorded to the former prime minister for his vision and foresight in purchasing the refinery from private ownership in 1982.

Thursday morning, Holness noted that apart from being the sole surviving member of the Committee that framed Jamaica’s Constitution, Seaga’s fingerprints are evident on almost every institution that defined the country.

He said a significant marker was needed to ensure that generations to come will know about Seaga.

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In his response, Seaga pointed out that the previous owners of the refinery, Esso, had asked the government to purchase the establishment after the government refused to grant a price increase.

Seaga said he was advised by his then permanent secretary Dr Carlton Davis, that the refinery could become an important asset to the Government. 

The former prime minister said he then gave instructions to purchase the refinery in 1982.

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