KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the death of former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament for North West St Ann, Princess Lawes, as “the end of an era.”
Lawes died on Saturday morning at the age of 79 after ailing for a while. The Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists confirmed her death, which Lawes served before her retirement.
In a Facebook statement, Prime Minister Holness said she had left a “remarkable legacy…of compassion, integrity, and commitment to service.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Princess Lawes. Her passing marks the end of an era, not only for the Jamaica Union Conference but for our nation as a whole,” Prime Minister Holness said in a statement on Facebook.
“Princess Lawes was not just a dedicated servant of the Adventist Church but a trailblazer in Jamaican public life. Her contributions as a Member of Parliament, Junior Minister, and Senator were invaluable, particularly in advocating for women, children, and the marginalized in our society.”
Holness said Lawes’ impact would be felt for generations to come, “inspiring us all to strive for a better, more inclusive Jamaica.”
After serving in the Senate for several years, Lawes created history in 1980 when she became the first JLP candidate to win the North West St Ann constituency, defeating People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Arnold Bertram in the general election.
While in government, she was in charge of women’s affairs and children’s services.
After leaving politics, she worked as the director of Communication, Public Affairs, and Religious Liberty and served as the personal assistant to two former presidents at the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
and then  Member of Parliament){kind=link}