KINGSTON, Jamaica—Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) has paid tribute to its inaugural chairman, Dr Alfred Sangster, praising his influential role in guiding the early development of Jamaica’s prominent election monitoring body. Dr Sangster, who also served as president of the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, passed away on Monday at the age of 95.
In a statement released Thursday, CAFFE lauded Dr Sangster’s dedication and far-reaching impact on the organization. As CAFFE’s first chairman, he was instrumental in building trust among political stakeholders and mobilizing extensive volunteer support. His unwavering commitment to integrity, the group noted, encouraged over 2,000 Jamaicans to volunteer in monitoring the country’s 1997 General Elections.
“His leadership was invaluable in forging international support for our mission, while overcoming initial doubts from the political parties,” CAFFE said. “He exemplified a caliber of fairness and fortitude that remains part of our core values to this day.”
Dr Sangster played a pivotal part in founding CAFFE. He was one of 16 forward-thinking Jamaicans who gathered with Archbishop Edgerton Clarke on April 9, 1997, to address mounting worries over the electoral process. Their discussions paved the way for the establishment of CAFFE less than five months later, with Dr Sangster at the helm.
Beyond the realm of election oversight, Dr Sangster was widely respected for his contribution to higher education. He guided the transformation of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) into the University of Technology and became its first principal and eventual first president. His commentary on national issues further shaped Jamaica’s development in the post-independence era.
“CAFFE remembers him foremost as our pioneering chairman,” the organization continued. “Yet his legacy stretches across Jamaican society, from his dynamic educational leadership to his public advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on our nation.”
Offering its deepest sympathies to his family and friends, CAFFE underscored that Jamaica has lost an extraordinary citizen and continues to mourn alongside all those who felt Dr Sangster’s guiding influence.
