Dean Peart, ex-minister and Manchester North Western MP, dies at 77

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Dean Peart, a long-serving People’s National Party (PNP) figure and former Cabinet minister, has died. He passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 77, according to Observer Online.

Over his career Peart held the labour portfolio, environment and lands, and local government. He previously served as mayor of Mandeville and as Member of Parliament for Manchester North Western, securing five successive PNP victories in that seat before stepping aside ahead of the December 2011 general election.

Mikael Phillips, who followed him as MP for the constituency, marked Peart’s death in an Instagram tribute.

“Today, I join the people of North West Manchester and Jamaicans across the country in mourning the passing of former Member of Parliament and former Government Minister, Dean Peart. As a five-term Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, Dean Peart dedicated his life to public service and to the advancement of the people he was elected to represent.

“His commitment to the People’s National Party, his unwavering advocacy for his constituents, and his years of dedicated service have left a lasting mark on our constituency and on Jamaica,” the post read in part.

Phillips added that he and his father, Dr Peter Phillips, had recently been able to spend time with Peart. “I will always be grateful for that opportunity and will remember our conversation with great respect,” he said.