He was 74 years of age.

In a statement issued shortly after his passing, Osborne’s daughter, Shirley, in a statement from the family, neglected to reveal the cause of his death but informed that he died peacefully at a hospital in the United States.

“We have lost the irreplaceable centre of our family and an incomparable presence in all our lives, but his wisdom, courage, and irrepressible spirit will live with us forever,” the statement added.

Osborne had been in hospital in Boston for the past several months. Although there is no official word concerning his burial, it is expected that Osborne will be honoured with a full state funeral.

Osborne’s career stretched over almost 40 years in Montserrat’s Legislative Council. He first became Chief Minister in 1978 as a member of the People’s Liberation Movement and continued until losing the elections in 1991. He then went on to serve again as chief minister from April 5, 2001 until June 3, 2006 when he resigned after his party lost the elections. His retirement from active politics was effected in 2009.

In November that year, the late chief minister was honored for his years of service as a politician and member of the Legislative Council.

In 2005, the airport was renamed the John A. Osborne Airport in tribute to his legacy of service to the people of Montserrat.

Osborne leaves to mourn a wife and several children, including Parliamentary Secretary David Osborne.

(Content for this article lifted from Caribbean360)