David Coore, patriot and nation-builder

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

WE join Jamaica in mourning the passing of Mr David Coore OJ, QC, politician, parliamentarian, statesman and nation-builder.

His was a life of patriotic dedication to Jamaica in the conviction that service is its own reward. His commitment to public service began with a cathartic political awakening when he was 13 years old. That event was the labour disputes at the Frome sugar factory in 1938, which evoked in him opposition to British colonial rule and which came to fruition in his embrace of the ideal of the nationalist movement in the struggle for political independence.

Mr Coore was born in Anchovy, St James and acquired his secondary education at Jamaica College (JC) where his academic excellence earned him the Jamaica Scholarship. While at JC, he and the now late former prime minister Michael Manley became close lifelong friends.

After studying economics at McGill University, then law at Oxford University and at Middle Temple in London, he was admitted to the Jamaican Bar in 1951 and, over the years, carved out a reputation as one of Jamaica's most brilliant attorneys, noted for his peerless articulation and acuity of mind.

He began public life in 1959 when he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council, and in 1961 his renowned legal skills made him a member of the team that drafted the Jamaica Constitution.

A lifelong comrade, he served in the executive organs of the People's National Party, rising to the post of chairman. He was member of parliament for St Andrew West Central from 1967 to 1976 and St Andrew West from 1976 to 1978.

He also served as minister of finance and deputy prime minister from 1972 until 1978 when he resigned to take up a post with the Inter-American Development Bank as its representative in the Dominican Republic and Barbados, a job he held until 1986.

At the request of Prime Minister Manley, Mr Coore returned to political office as minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade in 1989. He also served as minister of legal affairs and attorney general.

His colleagues will remember him as one of the most articulate orators in Gordon House, reflecting his mastery of a wide range of matters, command of language, tone and timing of delivery. His ministerial service was distinguished by his wise counsel, calm disposition and insightful thought.

Mr Coore also distinguished himself as the consummate diplomat, representing Jamaica with distinction worldwide. His brilliance of mind, self-assurance and at times jovial demeanour, even in the most stressful crisis, had a salutary effect on others because he did what was necessary so effortlessly that it made policy-making appear easy.

Throughout his life, he was a relaxed man who, despite his accomplishments, exhibited no trace of arrogance. In fact, he eschewed the petty frailties so obvious in many of his political colleagues, subscribing to the highest tenets of decency, enlightenment and integrity.

Those who knew this remarkable human being will recall and miss his erudition, incisive ability to get to the gravamen of the most complex issue and his subtle wit which he retained even while terminally ill.

We have no doubt that the remembrance of his witticisms will punctuate with moments of relief the sorrow of those who mourn him.

He was a decent man who, when not engaged with the problems of the world, was comfortable with an evening libation and the ever present cigarette. Given his quiet charm, he was blessed with the affections of his wives and the respect and admiration of all who met him. Jamaica is better for the life and work of Mr David Coore.

We extend the most sincere condolence of a grateful nation to his wife, sons — Michael, Ivan and Stephen — grandchildren, family and friends.

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David Coore, patriot and nation-builder