Funeral Service For Joseph McPherson
PM. Holness announced a scholarship of one million Jamaican dollars toward a journalism student in honour of Joseph McPherson.
Tears flowed as JLP stalwart Joseph McPherson was laid to rest in a a very sombre thanksgiving Service at St. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, Friday March 31, 2017.
Attendees
The PM Andrew Holness, Former PM Bruce Golding, former Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne, OC, former National Security Minister Dwight Nelson, Minister Babsy Grange, Finance Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw and former Ambassador to Venezuela, Cliff Stone and wife, were among the throng of dignitaries who attended the funeral Service for Joseph McPherson. Former PM Edward Seaga was represented by The Most Honourable Karla Seaga, his wife.
A Caring Man Of Integrity
PM Holness spoke of the affable personality of Joseph McPherson. ” Joseph always found time to share in a chat even if did not have the time to listen” PM Holness remarked … to some laughter.
Mr. Joseph McPherson’s daughter Donna, one of his 9 children spoke in glowing terms of her father and his devotion and love for his wife, their mother Claire of 61 years.
Joseph McPherson was editor of the Voice Newspaper, which was widely believed torched by the PNP. He never allowed this dastardly act to deter him from succeeding. Joseph McPherson ran against Portia Simpson Miller and lost in SW St. Andrew.
Dwight Nelson remarked that it was Joseph McPherson who brought him into the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU). Joseph McPherson was eulogized as a man of unquestionable integrity.
Culture Minister Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange was a Pall Bearer and carried the Casket Piece out of the church … ” I was honoured to have been afforded such a pride of place at Joe’s funeral, he was a remarkable man” as she spoke exclusively to Vision’s SIC, trying to fight back the tears.
Communion
There was a Communion For The Faithful, as congregants eat at the Table and drank wine in celebration of Joseph McPherson’s life.
On a personal note, I was honoured to have been at the Service, Joseph McPherson gave my daughter Lisa her first job.
It was difficult to see a dry eye in the congregation. The atmosphere was sad but cheerful. Rest in Peace Joe.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, SIC &photojournalist for Vision Newspaper.
