Premier, PLP Offer Condolences To James Family
Premier Michael Dunkley and the Progressive Labour Party have extended their condolences following the passing of former United Bermuda Party government Finance Minister Dr. Clarence James.
Premier Michael Dunkley said this evening, “On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend our sympathies to the family of the late Dr. Clarence James, one of the builders of modern Bermuda.
“Dr. James was one of the most successful Bermudians of his generation, earning distinction as a surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital before returning home in the early 1960s to practice and later assume responsibilities at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
“Dr. James was a deeply patriotic man, whose love for Bermuda drew him to public life, serving in multiple United Bermuda Party governments, as minister for Transport, for Health and Social Services and finally for Finance.
“His politics was driven by principles of equality and fairness and the goal of racial harmony. He rejected the politics of hate and division and worked to build partnership and shared prosperity between the races.
“Dr. James was a proud and pragmatic man, intellectual, compassionate and friendly, whose voice of reason and moral leadership across decades helped guide and progress Bermudian life. In the final analysis, his life was defined by service to others.
A Progressive Labour Party spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party extends our condolences to the family of former Finance Minister Dr. Clarence James.
“On behalf of our Executive, Caucus, Members and Supporters, we commend him for his life of service and his trailblazing role as Bermuda’s first Black Finance Minister. His family and loved ones have our sympathy. “
