Dean Peart hailed as a stalwart by PNP

 People’s National Party President and Opposition Leader Mark Golding paid tribute on Sunday to the memory of former MP and minister Dean Peart, who passed away earlier in the day.

Mr Golding hailed Peart for his work and contributions to the country.

Peart, MP for 22 years across five terms in Parliament, also served in several ministries under three prime ministers – Michael Manley, P.J. Patterson, and Portia Simpson Miller.

“For 22 years, Deanie served his constituents with hard work and a devotion that set the standard for representational politics,” Golding recalled, highlighting “his community centres, basic schools and scholarship fund” in his constituency of Manchester North Western,” Golding noted.

These, the Opposition Leader said, stood “as living monuments to his love for the people.”

The PNP, in a separate statement, said Dean Peart was a proud son of Manchester who carried forward a strong political legacy established by his father, former parliamentarian Ernest Peart, who also represented Manchester North Western in Parliament.

He and his brother, former Speaker of the House, Michael Peart, had the distinction of serving in Parliament together (Michael from 1993 to 2016), which, along with their father’s earlier service, made them one of the more prominent families in the history of the Jamaican Parliament.

Dean Peart started his tenure in government as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Welfare & Sport in 1989.

He later held ministerial responsibility for several portfolios, including Local Government, Environment & Lands, and Works.

Former PNP President Dr Peter Phillips hailed his former colleague as one who dedicated many years of his life to public service and the people of Jamaica.

“I remember with great fondness the years we spent working together at the Ministry of Transport & Works. His commitment, wisdom, and camaraderie will always be remembered,” Phillips said in a post on social media.

“My sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who mourn his passing. May they find comfort in the many cherished memories he leaves behind, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”