Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, led members of the House of Representatives in paying tribute to Government Ministers and other public officials who died recently, during a special sitting on Wednesday (June 10).
Heartfelt tributes were paid to the late Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson; Dr. Neville Gallimore, who served as Minister of Social Security from 1984 to 1986 and Education Minister from 1986 to 1989; former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Alison McLean; former Mayor of May Pen, Milton Brown; and former Deputy Mayor of Lucea, Audley Gilpin.
Members of the House also observed a moment of silence in honour of all the deceased.
“These Jamaicans have served our country well, through the Parliament, through local government and through the civil service. The Parliament acknowledges their service, the Parliament commemorates your life and work, and we pass our…respects to their families,” the Prime Minister said.
With a large picture of Mrs. Robinson visible behind him, nestled between two fresh potted flowers, and resting where she would normally sit in the House, the Prime Minister shared fond, light-hearted memories of the late Minister, whom he referred to as “more than a political colleague, she was more like my sister and friend”.
Sharing that he went to see her only a few days before she passed, Mr. Holness said it was and is still a very emotional time, but that he is “comforted she is now in the arms of God and there is no more pain”.
