Dr. D.K Duncan - file photo
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PNP President Dr. Peter Phillips; Patricia Duncan Sutherland; and D.K. Duncan, speaking ahead of the 1980 general election, which the PNP went on to lose.
Former Cabinet Minister, Dr. D.K Duncan, who last month tested positive for COVID-19, has died.
His death was confirmed by Julian Robinson, General Secretary of the People's National Party (PNP).
He was 80 years old.
Dr. Duncan was admitted to hospital after experiencing sinusitis and tiredness.
It was later confirmed that he had COVID-19.
Dr. Duncan was a controversial figure in Jamaican politics, coming to national prominence in the tumultuous 1970s when democratic socialism was being pushed by a Michael Manley-led People's National Party.
PNP President Dr. Peter Phillips has described the death of Dr. Duncan as a great loss for Jamaica's progressive movement.
Dr. Phillips said Dr. Duncan was part of the generation of young people, who towards the end of the 1960s became very active politically in post-Independence Jamaica because they believed that the country "could be a place of social justice and where the voice of the people could be the dominant voice."
Dr. Phillips noted that in his quest to achieve this social justice, Dr. Duncan fought hand in hand with farmers who were in a battle with bauxite mining companies.
According to the PNP president, Dr. Duncan was a revolutionary.
"He devoted himself from that time to the cause of the Jamaican people. I believe, all told, he has made an indelible and very positive contribution to Jamaica's progress over these many years," he reflected.
Dr. Duncan was seen as a polarising figure who had many critics and foes who did not agree with his political philosophy, which was viewed as radical.
His foray into politics began in 1966 when he was the PNP's campaign manager in the local government election in St. Ann.
He later served as PNP campaign manager for various candidates in the general elections of 1967 and 1972, before being elevated to the position of General Secretary of the PNP in 1974.
He was elected in 1976 as Member of Parliament for St. Andrew East Central and appointed Minister of National Mobilisation and Human Resource in 1977.
In more recent times, Dr. Duncan served as Member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern.
Dr. Phillips has said his death represents a great loss to the PNP and Jamaica's progressive movement and he will be remembered as a hardworking, talented political organiser, respected by friends and foes.
He is the father of politicians Imani Duncan Price and Patricia Duncan Sutherland, head of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Keith Duncan, as well as Donna Duncan Scott, Dr. Josina Duncan and David Duncan.
In remembering her father, Patricia Duncan Sutherland, noted that he was a strong proponent for equal rights.
"Our father was a man who believed in truth, justice and people and equality. He taught us equality at its core, to understand that every person was of equal value and deserving of equal respect in this life. And so every part of his life in service and all the service that we give as a family is dedicated to allowing that equality and truth to manifest itself and integrity," Mrs Duncan Sutherland told Radio Jamaica News Thursday afternoon.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also paid tribute to Dr. Duncan. In a Twitter post Thursday, he said it was with deep sadness that he learnt of Dr. Duncan's death.
The Prime Minister said Dr. Duncan was known for his commitment and service to his country.
In a subsequent statement, Mr. Holness noted that Dr. Duncan was a political force to be reckoned with and a very passionate man who played a key role in shaping the politics of Jamaica during his time.
“He served his beloved country and though we were on different sides of the political aisle, I respected his commitment to Jamaica,” he said in the statement.
Mr. Hollnes said his death marks the end of a long political career, and contribution to the Jamaican society.
He offered condolence to the family of Dr. Duncan, including his wife and children.
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson noted that Dr. Duncan's contributions to the People’s National Party and Jamaica are substantial and legendary.
"His commitment to political and social change through service is the hallmark of his long and impactful political career. His unyielding commitment was to the upliftment of the masses, to elevate and inspire Jamaica’s underprivileged and marginalized people with whom he had an abiding affinity," a statement from the former Prime Minister said.
Mr. Patterson said Dr. Duncan was a man of strong and passionate convictions on what Jamaica can be and become and what the Jamaican people can achieve. He remembered him as resourceful and results-oriented, a man worked alongside others with passion and dedication to passing various social justice legislation.
"DK’s outstanding contributions on reforming the electoral system earned him a National Honour, The Commander of the Order of Distinction, and the admiration and respect of members of his party, the Jamaica Labour Party, and ordinary Jamaicans everywhere," the statement said.
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