Michael Jackson steps out of a car during his visit to Jamaica in 1975. The vehicle bears the emblem of the Jackson Five. - Contributed

In March 1975, during the glory years of the Jackson Five, the group toured Jamaica, and was hosted by Edward Seaga at his home in Temple Meads, St Andrew.

Seaga was then the opposition leader and head of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

"I was at home when the police guard informed me that there was a Mrs Jackson at the gate. I told him, 'I don't know a Mrs Jackson'," he recalled humorously.

"But I went to check it out, and I saw a minibus. When I spoke to the driver, he told me that it was the Jackson Five in the back."

Seaga then welcomed the group and their parents into his home, where they spent the rest of the day.

"They were just relaxing, chatting. Michael, who was young then, spent most of his time in an aviary I had with the birds."

When speaking of the group's visit to Tivoli Gardens, Mr Seaga recalls the happiness of the residents at having the visitors, and recalls the Jacksons speaking to them during their visit.

"People, of course, knew who they were, and ran out of their houses and welcomed them. They were very hospitable. Some were even cheering when they saw them," he said.

Speaking about Michael Jackson's death on Thursday, Seaga said, "His death was most unexpected; he was only 50."

Seaga had been looking forward to Jackson touring again next year, as he had kept abreast of the artiste's popularity and success.

"He brought a lot of musical cheer. He was one of the greatest musical talents of this century."