Denham Town Councillor Jermaine Hyatt dies suddenly; McKenzie saddened

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Deputy Leader for the party’s Area Council 1 and Member of Parliament (MP) for West Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, has expressed regret at the sudden passing of Councillor for the Denham Town Division in the constituency, Jermaine Hyatt.

Hyatt died at the Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine on Saturday night of what was suspected to be a heart attack.

McKenzie, who is also the Local Government Minister, commented that, "I am stunned by news of the death of Councillor Hyatt. He served the people of Denham Town well. He was a champion representative who gave priority to serving the people of his division with distinction.”

The MP added that, “Only a few weeks ago he was in fine form when he addressed the Area Council 1 meeting in West Kingston. We will miss his contribution, even as we grieve his untimely death."

Desmond McKenzie (file photo)

McKenzie also expressed condolences to Hyatt's family members, friends and colleagues.

"The Jamaica Labour Party's thoughts and prayers are with Councillor Hyatt's loved ones at this difficult time. It is a trying time for us in the Jamaica Labour Party, in particular those of us who serve in the Local Government fraternity.

“Only a few weeks ago we were hit by news of the death of Councillor Christopher Townsend (of the Olympic Gardens Division in St Andrew), who is to be laid to rest on December 7, 2024 at the Beulah Pentecostal Temple at 27 Olympic Way in Kingston (St Andrew). We also continue to hold Councillor Townsend's family up in our prayers," added McKenzie.

In his tribute on Sunday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness described Hyatt as "a committed servant" of his community, who always strived to bring positive change to the lives of the people he served.

"The Jamaica Labour Party mourns with his family and we pray God grants them peace and comfort in this period of immense grief. May his soul rest in peace," said Holness on his social media platforms. 

Meanwhile, Mayor of Kingston, Andrew Swaby, hailed Hyatt as "a brilliant, pleasant, and promising leader who always carried himself with respect and humility."

Swaby, in a statement on Sunday, said Hyatt was an articulate advocate who demonstrated true bipartisanship, contributing meaningfully to our discussions and debates. 

"As recently as our last council meeting, he (Hyatt) seconded a resolution, exemplifying his dedication to service and governance," the mayor informed.

Andrew Swaby (file photo)

In his role as a two-term councillor, Hyatt served the residents of Denham Town and Kingston and St Andrew "with immense pride and humility," Swaby shared.

"His (Hyatt's) unwavering commitment to championing the needs of his division showcased the qualities of a true leader," Swaby said, adding that the councillor's passing is a tremendous loss to the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the residents of Denham Town, and the JLP. 

"It is even more devastating for his family and friends, to whom we extend our deepest condolency. As we mourn his loss, let us keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the mayor stated.