Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks has expressed profound sadness at the death of Jamaica’s former Honorary Consul to Boston, Dr. Kenneth Guscott who perished in a fire at his home in Boston early Monday morning.
Dr. Guscott who was 91, along with his wife’s father 87 year old Leroy Whitmore perished in the blaze.
Ambassador Marks conveyed to Dr. Guscott’s wife, Mrs Valerie Whitmore-Guscott, condolence on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, as well as the entire staff at the Embassy.
“I extend deepest condolences to you and the entire family on your tragic loss. Mr. Guscott, who was the son of Jamaican immigrants served with distinction as the Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Boston for nearly two decades, from 1992 to 2011. Though he had demitted office several years ago, he was always fondly remembered, and the Jamaican community in Boston is also grieving the loss as they reflect on the invaluable service he gave during his tenure,” Marks said.
She said “though he had demitted office several years ago, he was always fondly remembered, and the Jamaican community in Boston is also grieving the loss as they reflect on the invaluable service he gave during his tenure.”
Ambassador Marks also expressed sadness at the passing of her father Mr. Leroy Whitmore noting that, “our hearts mourn with the family at this very unfortunate tragedy.”
Dr. Guscott who served as Jamaica’s Honorary Consul until 2011, was one of Boston’s prominent African American developers and was credited with the transformation and revitalization of Dudley Square in 1969. Only recently he announced plans for a 250 million 25 storey towers to be built in Roxbury, Boston.
As Jamaica’s Honorary Consul, Dr. Guscott was keen on investment in Jamaica and led many trade missions to the island. Two of his pet project was renewable energy and the resuscitation of the island’s bee industry.
In commenting on his untimely death, Ambassador Marks said Dr. Guscott’s passing had robbed the Jamaican community in Boston and the wider Jamaican Diaspora of a true stalwart, who, though not born in Jamaica made tremendous contribution to the island’s development Jamaica owes him a debt of gratitude.
In 2009, Dr. Guscott was recognized for outstanding contribution to the Boston and Jamaica by the Diaspora Northeast Advisor Board at its conference in Hartford Connecticut
