"We've lost a patriot with a wealth of knowledge," says PM Holness on the passing of Prof Gerald Lalo

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness expressed his sincere condolences on the passing of One of Jamaica's Pre-eminent Scientists, Professor Gerald Lalor. He died on August 23 following a brief illness and was 90 years old.

PM Holness said Professor Lalor was an astute scientist and educator. He was a visionary in the scientific community who did pioneering work as a geochemist. He said his demise is a significant loss for Jamaica as well as to the entire region. "We've lost a patriot with a wealth of knowledge."

"He was truly a giant in his field, and we are, Indeed, the poorer for his passing. I extend my sincere condolences to Professor Lalor's family, the UWI community and his colleagues and friends. May his soul rest In peace and light perpetual shine on him," said Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Professor Gerald Lalor was also the founder of the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) in (1997) and led and contributed to several academic research in the field. Operating out of the ICENS at the University of the West Indies, Mona, he led the way regionally in the use of nuclear technology, in a safe way, to enhance the development of not just Jamaica but the Caribbean; said Prime Minister Holness.

Professor Lalor also led a research team in the identification and the preparation of a geochemical map of the elements in Jamaican soil which has had a significant impact on several sectors, including agriculture and industrial development.

He was also the holder of Jamaica's third-highest national honour, the Order of Merit, and several other significant honours and awards for his sterling contribution to national development and academia.