Dean Alexander Peart, a former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, has died, according to multiple Jamaican news outlets and statements from the People’s National Party (PNP). The Jamaica Observer reports that Peart died on Sunday morning at age 77. The PNP describes him as a long-serving public figure from Manchester and highlights decades of representation for the Manchester North Western constituency.
Peart represented Manchester North West for five consecutive terms, winning the seat five times in a row before retiring ahead of the December 2011 elections, the Observer reports. He previously served in local government as mayor of Mandeville and as a councillor.
In government, the Observer and the PNP statement say he held responsibility for several portfolios, including Local Government, Environment and Lands, and Works, and served in roles tied to labour, social security and sports. The PNP also credits him with building 13 community centres and numerous basic schools in his constituency and championing education.
The PNP and local representatives publicly offered condolences to Peart’s family, including his wife Vynette, and to the people of North West Manchester.
