Eric Anthony Abrahams (1940-2011)

Eric Anthony Abrahams was born on May 5, 1940 to Eric and Lucille Abrahams (deceased). He attended Jamaica College then proceeded to the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), where he studied Economics, History and English. In 1961 he graduated from UWI as a Rhodes Scholar and attended Oxford University. He has two children; Eric Jason and Tara Elizabeth.

During his studies at UWI, Eric presided as the Chairman of the Students’ Union and President of the Debating Society. He also represented the University Students’ Conference in Europe and the Middle East. Mr. Abrahams, while at Oxford University participated in several social extracurricular activities and became the second West Indian to become President of the Oxford Union.Eric has had a successful career. He was:

The first black TV reporter at BBC,
The youngest Jamaican to have been appointed Director of Tourism – In 1970,one month before his thirtieth birthday,
Director of Air Jamaica,
Member of Parliament, Eastern Portland, Minister of Tourism – JLP,
Minister of Information – JLP,
Member of the Jamaica Government Air Policy Committee,
Member of the Public Passenger Transport Board,
Chairman of the Jamaica Hotel School (1974-1976),
Founding Executive Director of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (1970-1974),
Member of the Jamaica Senate (1977-78),
Director Multi-National Tourism Programme of the Organization of American States (OAS) – 1978-79.
Director of Cicatur (Barbados) – 1978-80,
Contributing Journalist to the Jamaica Herald (1989-90).

Eric Anthony Abrahams died on Sunday August 7, 2011 and will be remembered for the role he played in the development of Independent Jamaica.

Eric Anthony Abrahams (1940-2011)

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