Described by many as an autocratic leader, Edward Seaga served as Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1980 to 1989.

He was the sixth person to assume Jamaica's highest leadership position. After the Peoples National Party (PNP) formed the Government, Mr. Seaga continued to serve as the Leader of the Opposition until he retired in 2005.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Mr. Seaga transformed what was called the country's worst slum at the time, 'Back-O-Wall', into a modern, low-income residential community, renamed Tivoli Gardens.

Sources: National Library and Jamaica Information Service.yaneake.sterling@gleanerjm.com

Did you know?

He was the youngest person ever appointed to the Senate at the age of 29. His appointment was in 1959, after he was nominated by Sir Alexander Bustamante.

Mr. Seaga was the longest-serving Member of Parliament having served as Member of Parliament for West Kingston for 40 years. Every other MP served only five years.

He has been the nation's leading pioneer of ideas and institutions to promote Jamaican culture nationally and internationally. In fact, he was a record producer before he entered politics.

Mr. Seaga has a passion for gardening. His love for plants and flowers is evident in the beautiful Enchanted Garden Resort he created, which has become a unique attraction in Jamaica.

He was instrumental in establishing and promoting several institutions including: the Jamaica Stock Exchange (1969), Jamaica Unit Trust (1970), Jamaica Mortgage Bank (1973), National Development Bank (1981), the Agricultural Credit Bank (1981), the Ex-Im Bank (1986) and the Students' Loan Bureau, Jamaica Trade and Invest, formerly JAMPRO, the Human Employment and Resource Training Programme (HEART), which began in 1983. and Jamaica Festival.

- Yahneake Sterling