‘He never lost his humble touch’

MEMBERS of the legal, religious, business, and political fraternity gathered at the University Chapel on Friday to wish farewell to renowned attorney-at-law and political stalwart George Soutar. Soutar, who served for years as legal advisor to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), died on August 10 after battling illness for an extended period. He was 81 years old. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer following the sermon, held at the University Chapel on the Mona campus of The University of the West Indies Mona (The UWI), Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange remembered Soutar for his support when she took on the role of Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central. “George was someone who was loved by those whose life he impacted, and I am one of those. When I entered representational politics, the late Edward Seaga, former prime minister, asked Mr Soutar to give me the support that was needed and to assist in raising funds as well. He brought a team of individuals in business together to give me the support in a seat that was considered the roughest seat in the island.

Members of the Kingston Chapel Choir performing a piece during the funeral of George Soutar at the University Chapel on Friday. Joseph Wellington

“With his support, and the structure that he put in place, I came through in flying colours, because everyone knows Spanish Town is not an easy place. Many individuals in the constituency benefited from his guidance, he was a no-nonsense person as well, he did not encourage antisocial behaviour or disrespect. He was a good person to have beside me in a constituency that was known to be a difficult one,” said Grange. According to Grange, despite Soutar’s battle with his rare illness, national matters remained a priority for him. “He was still very alert, we spoke frequently. He was always enquiring about what was happening, keeping abreast, and making recommendations and suggestions which I passed on to the prime minister. He was passionately loyal to his country. As much as he achieved the highest in his profession as a King’s Counsel and honoured by Jamaica, he never lost his humble touch,” said Grange.

King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie sharing his memories of George Soutar. Joseph Wellington

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness lauded Soutar for what he described as, “a critical role played by him in the transition of leadership in the Jamaica Labour Party”. According to Holness, Soutar’s contribution to the Jamaica Labour Party was equally substantial and extended across many years. “He served as legal advisor to the party, as chairman of its disciplinary committee, and as a trustee. In each of these roles, he brought not only his considerable legal knowledge, but also his deep understanding of the party, its history and tradition. George represented an important link between generations.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (left) greets Andrew Soutar, son of the late George Soutar, during his funeral at the University Chapel on Friday. (Joseph Wellington)

“There are those who would say that George was a non-elitist [and that] he served the [party] leader, and they misunderstood. George was an institutionalist; he served the institution, whomever the leader may be. And in that way, he protected the party. He protected what the party stood for. And so today, the party, I would say, is stable because of the actions of people like George. His advance was therefore vital not only because he knew the law, but because he understood context. When difficult or complex matters arose, his counsel could be relied on,” Holness told mourners during his tribute.

A packed University Chapel for the funeral of attorney-at-law George Soutar. Joseph Wellington

King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie shared that he was sponsored by Soutar when he was called to the Bar. “I am forever grateful for his teachings. He was a mentor. There were moments when I would go to court, while he was in active practice — shortly after he had stopped going to court — and I would indicate to the judge that I am here holding a matter. And I was told, or would be told, yes, have a seat, wait your turn, essentially. And the moment I had it, I would call Mr Soutar,” said Champagnie. Soutar was admitted to the Jamaican Bar in 1973.

Pall-bearers carry the remains of George Soutar out of the University Chapel on Friday. Joseph Wellington

He was appointed King’s Counsel in 2012 and awarded the Order of Distinction at the rank of Commander in 2017. He also served as president of the Advocates’ Association of Jamaica and practised criminal, civil and company law for decades. Soutar also chaired several major boards, including the Sports Development Foundation, the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica, and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission. He also served on boards of the Jamaica Bauxite Mining Institute, Private Security Regulation Authority, and Aeronautical Telecommunications.