Former Jamaican cabinet minister and longtime North West Manchester MP Dean Peart died at age 77. He served the constituency for 22 years, winning the seat five consecutive times, and was previously mayor of Mandeville. Peart held several ministerial posts, including Minister of Local Government, Labour and Social Security, Environment and Lands, and Works, and was credited with building community centres and schools in his area.
Political leaders from both major parties issued tributes. PNP president Mark Golding highlighted Peart’s integrity and dedication to constituents, while JLP figures such as Deputy Leader Desmond McKenzie and General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang praised his high calibre and decency. Former PNP president Dr. Peter Phillips also noted his commitment to public service. Peart was the son of former MP Ernest Peart and brother of former House Speaker Michael Peart, belonging to a prominent Jamaican political family.