Prime Minister Holness Expresses Regret at Passing of Fay Tortello
Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has expressed regret at the passing of Mrs. Fay Tortello, sister of the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Mrs. Tortello, a former Honorary Consul for Italy and a businesswoman, passed peacefully at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) on Monday, August 1, three days before her 85th birthday.
The Prime Minister described Mrs. Tortello as a savvy business woman. As consul for Italy, she brokered a number of projects between the Italian and Jamaican governments which included the rehabilitation of JPS power plants in Old Harbour and upgrade of the Bustamante Hospital in Kingston at no cost to Jamaica.
“She was known for her dynamic and forceful personality and was a favourite caller to Wilmot “Mutty” Perkins’ radio talk show. She would sometimes argue with him on a range of topical issues in the 1990s,” Mr. Holness said.
The Prime Minister also recalled “Mrs. Tortello often used a keen sense of humour to sharpen her strong political points. Her voice was easily identifiable and she was the only one to call him by the nickname, ‘Willy’.”
In addition, Mr. Holness remembered Miss T, as she was popularly called, as someone who had no interest in sitting on large committees or boards. “Instead, she often quietly helped friends in need and supported causes in which she believed,” the Prime Minister added.
Mrs. Tortello leaves behind three children – sons George and Philip Crimarco, and daughter, Dr. Rebecca Tortello Greenland, as well as 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.