UTech Foundation - Tributes

CAFFE’S TRIBUTE To Dr. the Hon. Alfred Sangster, OJ

In the 1990s democracy in Jamaica was endangered by the threat of intimidation and corruption in the conduct of national elections. There were calls for independent monitoring of the conduct of the electoral process which concentrated mostly on obtaining international observers. Although the Carter Centre responded to this call, there was a simultaneous national motivation for there to be a Jamaican response. It came from Christian Churches and civil society organisations. However, there were many who doubted that a group of Jamaicans could be trusted to be honest and impartial observers. It was therefore critical that the leadership of the Jamaican initiative should be seen to be of persons who were not only competent but fair and impartial. When Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) was founded in response to this nationalistic call, it wisely selected Dr. Alfred Sangster as its first Chairman. Dr. Sangster’s distinction as

an educator and visionary leader and as an institution builder made him eminently suited to assume this critical role. However, the most valuable qualities that he brought to this endeavour were his impeccable character and reputation for fairness. It is a matter of history that CAFFE was able to recruit persons of integrity who had different or no political affiliation. Based on this foundation which Dr. Sangster helped to construct, CAFFE monitored the 1997 elections and all national parliamentary and parochial elections since then, and has established an international reputation for impartiality and competence. CAFFE and Jamaica’s democracy owe an immense debt of gratitude to Dr. Sangster for his leadership and contribution. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.

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