Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller have added their voices to the growing list of political leaders worldwide paying tribute to former American Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy.

"He was someone who had a special interest in Jamaica and as recently as when Lady Bustamante died, there was correspondence with him as he always took an interest in Sir Alexander and his family," Golding said.

"We want to express our sympathies to his family and the government of the United States," Golding added.

In extending condolences to Kennedy's widow Victoria, his children and other members of his family, Simpson Miller remembered him as one with an outstanding record in American politics.

"Senator Kennedy will also be remembered for his consistent and unwavering support for the implementation of policies which benefited the poor and disadvantaged in societies across the globe," said Simpson Miller.

Denunciation of racism

"His campaign for education and health reforms as well as his strident denunciation of racism, in whatever form, endeared him to those among us who believed in the right of equality, irrespective of one's race," added the opposition leader.

Kennedy's body will lie in state today in the Smith Center at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts.

A private family Mass was celebrated at his home yesterday before his body was moved to the library in a farewell procession that snaked its way through the heart of Boston.

Today, a memorial service is scheduled to be held before a private service tomorrow and his burial at the Arlington National Cemetery.

Kennedy died on Tuesday night at his home in Cape Cod. Fifteen months ago, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 77 at the time of his death.