Condolences sent on passing of Premier’s father

(CMR) Multiple government officials have sent their condolences to the Hon. Premier Alden M McLaughlin on the recent passing of his father.

The members of the Official Opposition wish to extend their sincere condolences to the Hon. Premier Alden M McLaughlin, MBE JP MLA and his family on the passing of his father the late Mr. Alden McNee McLaughlin Sr.

Mr. McNee McLaughlin was known to all Members of The Opposition and all are deeply saddened by the announcement of his passing.

Mr. Anthony Eden, OBE JP (ret) MLA, expressed his condolences saying, “My family and I wish to extend our most heartfelt sympathies to Mr. McLaughlin and his family at this difficult time”.

The Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Mr Arden McLean, JP MLA also expressed his condolences, “As a fellow East Ender I pay homage to McNee. May he never be forgotten not only for the good he has been to his fellowmen, but importantly for the principles he instilled in his children. I will remember him as a man of strong convictions and an abiding commitment to fairness and honesty.”.

The Governor also sent his condolences:

Statement by HE the Governor on the Passing of the Hon. Premier’s Father, Mr McNee McLaughlin

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Hon. Premier’s Father Mr McNee McLaughlin.

Mr McLaughlin had a varied career over many years; teaching on the Brac and in West Bay, spending many years at sea and also taking on the position of the Cayman Island’s first formally trained public health officer. I was fortunate to meet Mr. McLaughlin a few months ago. I heard much about his passion and commitment for education. He will be greatly missed.

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Hon Premier and all the family at this sad time.

The Deputy Governor also said:

“On behalf of the Civil Service, I would like to offer condolences following the passing of the Hon Premier’s Father, Mr McNee McLaughlin. Mr McLaughlin dedicated years of his life to public service, working as a teacher and later as a public health officer. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hon Premier and his family at this difficult time.”

Alden McNee McLaughlin Sr. passed away after suffering a long illness on Monday, 11 November, 2019. He was 93.

Mr. McLaughlin was born in 1926 and lived a full life and had a diverse career through his working life. He was a school teacher and taught on Cayman Brac and West Bay before going to sea in 1947.

He returned home in 1955 and married Althea Bodden and went on to work as a driver and then a plumber before winning a scholarship to the West Indies School of Public Health in Jamaica.

He came back to the Cayman Islands as the country’s first formally trained public health officer in 1959 a job that he held until 1973. He then worked as a Life Underwriter from 1974 until 1978 when he joined CUC as an Oiler and Engine Stores Keeper. He was promoted to Personnel Supervisor in 1980 and remained in that post until he retired in 1988.

He leaves behind his children, Alden McLaughlin Jr., Dr. Elizabeth McLaughlin and Debbie McLaughlin; daughter-in-law Kim McLaughlin; grandchildren Daegan, Caelan, Xaria, Zephan and Zarek; other relatives and numerous friends.

The Premier is grateful for the prayers and condolences he and his family have received on behalf of his father during his illness and upon his passing.