Premier’s father dies aged 93

| 12/11/2019
Cayman News Service
Premier Alden McLaughlin with his father, Alden McNee McLaughlin Sr

(CNS): Alden McNee McLaughlin Sr, the father of the Cayman Islands premier, died on Monday, 11 November, after suffering a long illness, the premier’s office stated in a release. McLaughlin was born in 1926 and lived a full life and had a diverse career, the release stated. Premier Alden McLaughlin said he was grateful for the prayers and condolences he and his family had received on behalf of his father during his illness and upon his passing.

Condolences poured in on social media for the premier and his family, and both Governor Martyn Roper and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson released public statements.

The governor said he was deeply sadden to hear of his passing. “I was fortunate to meet Mr McLaughlin a few months ago. I heard much about his passion and commitment for education. He will be greatly missed. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Hon. Premier and all the family at this sad time,” he stated.

Manderson offered condolences on behalf of the civil service. “Mr McLaughlin dedicated years of his life to public service, working as a teacher and later as a public health officer. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hon. Premier and his family at this difficult time,” he added.

The premier’s political party, the Progressives, also issued a public statement offering condolences to the leader over the loss of his father.

“The Progressives family extends its warmest condolences to the family of the Hon. Premier Alden McLaughlin, his sisters, and their respective families on the passing of McNee McLaughlin, the Premier’s father. McNee was a stalwart of the PPM family and as long as he was able, he supported and advocated for the cause it represents. He supported his son, Alden, tirelessly and was a conspicuous figure in the Progressives family,” a spokesperson said.

The opposition also offered their condolences to their colleague and his family. They said that McLaughlin Sr was known to all their members, who were deeply saddened by the announcement of his passing.

Opposition Leader Arden McLean said “As a fellow East Ender, I pay homage to McNee. May he never be forgotten, not only for the good he has been to his fellowmen, but importantly for the principles he instilled in his children. I will remember him as a man of strong convictions and an abiding commitment to fairness and honesty.”

McLaughlin Sr was a school teacher and taught on Cayman Brac and in West Bay before going to sea in 1947. Returning home in 1955, he married Althea Bodden and went on to work as a driver and then a plumber before winning a scholarship to the West Indies School of Public Health in Jamaica.

He returned to Cayman Islands as the country’s first formally trained public health officer in 1959, a job that he held until 1973. He then worked as a life underwriter from 1974 until 1978, when he joined CUC as an oiler and engine stores keeper. He was promoted to personnel supervisor in 1980 and remained in that post until he retired in 1988.

He leaves behind his children, Alden McLaughlin Jr, Dr Elizabeth McLaughlin and Debbie McLaughlin; daughter-in-law Kim McLaughlin; grandchildren Daegan, Caelan, Xaria, Zephan and Zarek; other relatives and numerous friends.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Condolences Premier.