WESTERN BUREAU — Former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker for North Trelawny, Charles HoShing died in the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida yesterday, after a brief illness.

The 48 year-old HoShing was admitted to hospital about three weeks ago after suffering several heart attacks, which badly damaged his heart.

A source close to the Jackson Memorial hospital told the Observer that HoShing was scheduled to undergo a heart transplant because of the extent of the damage done to his heart. In an effort to defray surgical costs, which were put at more than $1 million, a number of fund-raising activities were being held in the United States of America and Jamaica to raise money.

On Friday, when news broke in western Jamaica that HoShing had died, there were outpourings of sadness and regret at his untimely passing.

Deputy leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, Edmund Bartlett told the Observer that the party was shocked by the news.

“He was one of the outstanding grass-roots leaders of North Trelawny who, through deeds of hard work, dedication and commitment to his country and party, rose from among the second-tier leadership of the constituency to be the party’s candidate after the resignation of Keith Russell,” Bartlett said.

“Chalky, as he was affectionately called, will be greatly remembered for his organisational ability, his strength of character and a deep and abiding integrity which the political process is so lacking today. We offer our deepest condolences to his widow, Vinice, and his children.”

The Custos of Trelawny, Royland Barrett was also among those who expressed grief at HoShing’s death.

“The parish has lost a worthy son; one who has exhibited great potential in his undertaking. He was a good Justice of the Peace and an understanding person. The parish will be poorer because of his passing,” Barrett said.

HoShing attended the William Knibb High School in Trelawny, Mico Teachers College and the University of the West Indies.

A former principal of the Refuge and Clark’s Town All- Age schools and Deacon of the William Knibb Baptist Church, HoShing entered representational politics in 1991. In that year, he was elected councillor for the former Hampden division of the Trelawny Parish Council.

In 1997, he became the JLP’s candidate for the constituency of North Trelawny but was unsuccessful in his bid to win the seat.

Despite his defeat, HoShing remained as the party’s caretaker for the constituency until 2000 when he resigned from active politics.

He is survived by his wife and four children.