STATEMENT BY FRED MITCHELL OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ON THE DEATH OF REX NETTLEFORD
 
The Progressive Liberal Party wishes to express sincere condolences  to the government  and people of Jamaica and to his colleagues at the University of the West Indies on the passing of Professor Rex Nettleford, the Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University. Professor Nettleford  was a cultural icon of the Caricom region.  He was well a known figure in The Bahamas having helped to train scores of Bahamians who passed through the University of West Indies at the Trade Union Education Institute and in the Extramural Studies Department of the University and the University itself which he led.  Professor Nettleford lectured tirelessly throughout the region on cultural and social development. He was a commentator on cultural development in The Bahamas and in the region. Professor Nettleford was an advisor to three Bahamian Prime Ministers.  The PLP was especially grateful  for the advice and counsel that he gave during its time in office.  He will be sadly missed.  Professor Nettleford died following a week long stay in hospital in Washington D.C.  He collapsed during a fund raiser for the University in Washington last week.  He died in the evening at 8 p.m. Tuesday 2nd February, one day short of this 77th birthday which would have been today. Party Leader Perry Christie and all colleagues of the PLP mourn his passing.  He was a giant of the region.