On behalf of the Government of Jamaica and the entire aviation community, I offer my sincere condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of aviation stalwart, Captain Dudley Beek. Jamaica and the aviation sector at large, have suffered a tremendous loss.  

Mr. Beek was a passionate aviator, a visionary leader, a courageous trailblazer, and a dedicated mentor, who loved his country deeply and devoted his life to aviation. He served on the Boards of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority for several years. 

Coming from a long and distinguished lineage of aviators in Jamaica’s history, tracing back to at least four generations of pilots in his family, Dudley dedicated most of his life to influencing advancement in the sector and educating generations of aviators.  

He gave much time and resources in reconstructing the oldest aircraft in the Jamaican Registry – the Cessna 140, which first came to Jamaica in 1949 and was passed down to him by his father. It was Dudley’s intention to preserve this piece of history so that his grandchildren could learn from the craft that he, his father and his sons once operated. 

I will always be grateful for his contribution to the aviation sector and our interactions, particularly since my appointment as Minister of Transport and Mining. He possessed a wealth of knowledge which he was always willing to share. 

Although nothing can lessen the impact of his passing, there is some comfort in the fact that Dudley did what he loved until the very end. 

May God bless his family and loved ones, giving them the strength to endure this most difficult time.