James George Haskins (born 1914, died 1990)[1] was a politician and businessman from Botswana.

James Haskins
Minister of Finance
In office
1968โ€“1970
PresidentSeretse Khama
Preceded byQuett Masire
Succeeded byQuett Masire
Personal details
Born1914 (1914)
Bulawayo
Died1990 (aged 75โ€“76)
Political partyBotswana Democratic Party

Haskins was born in Bulawayo. His father was James Haskins from Bristol who run coffee business in Tati Concessions Land and later a trading store chain headquartered in Francistown.[1] Haskins founded the Francistown Chamber of Commerce.[2]

Haskins entered politics in 1948 as a member of European Advisory Council. He was a member of the Legislative Council of Bechuanaland 1961โ€“1964. He was a member of Bechuanaland Democratic Party.[1]

Haskins could be considered a spokesperson of the white community in Botswana and an advocate for Botswana independence. In 1966, he became a member of National Assembly of Botswana. The same year he joined cabinet and held offices of minister of commerce, industry and water affairs, and later minister of finance,[3] of agriculture, and communications. In 1979 Haskins retired from the cabinet and returned to family trading business.[1]

From 1979 to 1989 he served as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana.[4]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d Ramsay, Jeff; Morton, Barry; Morton, Fred (1996). Historical Dictionary of Botswana. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-3143-8.
  2. ^ "Standing on Shoulders of Great Giants". CEE Bulletin. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  3. ^ "About Us - Ministry of Finance". www.finance.gov.bw. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Former Speakers of Parliament". Parliament of Botswana. 27 June 2009. Archived from the original on 27 June 2009.