Sir Donald Burns Sangster, Jamaica’s second Prime Minister, dies
On this day in history April 11, 1967, Sir Donald Burns Sangster, the second Prime Minister of Jamaica died at the age of 56 from a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Sangster was in office for only 48 days and after his death, he was succeeded by Hugh Shearer, who was in office from 1967–1967.
Born on October 26, 1911, Sangster is best remembered for his work to have Jamaica accepted in all major international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. He also advocated for the development of Jamaica’s second largest airport located in Montego Bay, which now carries his name The Sangster International Airport.
Sangster entered politics in 1933 at the age of 21 with his election to the council of the Parish of St Elizabeth, Jamaica.
He became Acting Prime Minister in February 1964 when Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante became ill.
Five days before he died, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
The former Prime Minister’s face appears on the Jamaican One Hundred Dollar Bill.
