Tributes continue to pour in over former Cabinet Minister Dean Peart’s passing

Jamaica’s political elites continue to pay tribute to former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Manchester, Dean Peart, who died yesterday at age 77.

 Peart, a stalwart for the People’s National Party (PNP), was also a former Parish Councillor and Mayor of Mandeville, died after battling illness for sometimes. In paying his tribute, PNP President and Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, highlighted “for 22 years, Deanie served his constituents with hard work and a devotion that set the standard for representational politics. His community centres, basic schools, and scholarship fund stand as living monuments to his love for the people.”

 Noting that Peart served in several ministries under the PNP, Golding extended heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vynette, his children, and the entire Peart family.  

JLP hails Peart as man of high integrity

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary, Dr Horace Chang, issued condolences to the Peart family, describing Peart as a politician of the highest calibre who had respect for standards of decency, decorum, and integrity.

 “Dean Peart was committed to Jamaica and its development. He was generally honest in his remarks on issues of national importance. However, though he was robust when he thought it necessary in his submissions to Parliament, Mr. Peart never resorted to being indecent or disrespectful,” Dr. Chang said.

He added, “ his conduct in Parliament and the political arena, in general, was of the highest calibre. We will miss his contributions to national discourse….Dean was of an era where there was a general understanding that disagreement was inevitable, but it was never an excuse for insolence. He was strident in defending causes in which he believed. He was a competent servant of the people.”

 In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister said the JLP “also hold in our prayers his brother, Michael, who served as Speaker of the House while Dean was a Government Minister and also a Member of Parliament. Dean no doubt hailed from a family that believed in giving genuine and committed public service. His contribution will not be forgotten” 

Former PNP President and party stalwart, Dr Peter Phillips, hailed Peart for dedicating many years of his life to public service and the people of Jamaica, saying, “I remember with great fondness the years we spent working together at the Ministry of Transport and Works. His commitment, wisdom, and camaraderie will always be remembered.

A proud son of Manchester and of the PNP, he carried forward the legacy of his father, a former MP for Manchester, Ernest Peart, and served alongside his brother, former Speaker Michael Peart, in one of Jamaica’s great political families. Dean Peart won the North West Manchester seat five consecutive times, serving his constituents for 22 years with unmatched dedication. 

He built 13 community centres and numerous basic schools across the constituency, championing education for young people. In Government, he served as Minister of State or Minister with responsibility for several portfolios, including Labour, Environment and Lands, and Local Government. 

Known for integrity, hard work and straight talk, Peart was loved by the people he served and respected across the political divide.