Tributes to 'Danny Buck'

GLOWING TRIBUTES echoed across the halls of Gordon House on Tuesday as parliamentarians remembered the late former member of parliament, Donald 'Danny Buck' Buchanan.

Members of his family and former constituents turned out in their numbers to hear a litany of tributes, hailing Buchanan as a firebrand democratic socialist, political strategist and champion of the poor.

The mood in the House swung from moments of sombreness to peaks of laughter, as MPs spent more than four hours reminiscing on the man described as one of the most colourful politicians.

Gripped with emotions and at times fighting back tears, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller said Buchanan demonstrated complete loyalty to his party and country.

Drawing on the compelling lyrics of noted singer and actor Frank Sinatra in his well-known song, I Did It My Way, Simpson Miller said that "Danny Buck did it his way".

The House observed a minute's silence for the late MP.

Portia Simpson Miller

"An equal rights and justice man."

"Dedicated public servant."

"Served his constituents with distinction."

Bruce Golding

"Humorous, provocative,

strident and combative."

Dr Peter Phillips

"He left an indelible mark on Parliament and the people of Jamaica."

"A patriot, politician, sports lover and family man."

Peter Bunting

"A man of stridently expressed opinion."

Dr Horace Chang

"Sharp and incisive political mind."

Karl Samuda

"True political gladiator, who gave no quarter and he asked for none."

Ruddy Spencer

"Let the word service be engraved on his tombstone."

Luther Buchanan

"His generosity and contribution to nationhood are legendary."