Businessman and former politician, Dr. R. Danny Williams, has died.
Dr. Williams, who had been ailing for some time, passed away on Saturday morning. He was 89 years old.
In mourning Dr. Williams’ passing, former prime minister P.J. Patterson said he ranks within the highest echelons of committed leaders who have contributed to the growth of Jamaica.
Dr. Williams is the founder of insurance company, Life of Jamaica Limited, now Sagicor Life Jamaica.
He served as president and CEO of Sagicor Life on two separate occasions.
He also serves on the boards of several Sagicor Group Jamaica member companies.
Dr. Williams entered the field of politics in 1977, when he was appointed a senator in the then-People’s National Party administration of Michael Manley.
Until 1979, he also served as a minister of state and Minister of Industry and Commerce.
In 1972, Dr. Williams was awarded the National Honour of Commander of the Order of Distinction and in 1993, he was conferred with the Order of Jamaica for voluntary service to his community.
Dr. Williams was conferred with two honorary Doctor of Laws degrees, one by the University of Technology in 2005 and the other by the University of the West Indies in 2013.
In 2012, Sagicor renamed its corporate headquarters after Dr. Williams.
Dr. Williams was born on July 3, 1934, in St. Andrew to Leonard and Verna Williams. He attended Suthermere Preparatory School and later Jamaica College.
Dr. Williams was married to Shirley Mair, with whom he had a son and five daughters.
