ATTORNEY George Thomas was yesterday described by Member of Parliament Dr Horace Chang as a true Jamaican, who served his parish and his community with distinction.

Thomas, who died in a car crash Thursday, almost five years ago received the nation’s sixth highest honour — the Order of Distinction (OD) — for outstanding service to the legal profession and the community at large. He was 68.

“On behalf of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the entire western Jamaica I wish his family peace and solace in this time of great sorrow. I say to them that while George has passed, his memory and good works will remain in the hearts and minds of all those whom he came across,” said Dr Chang, general secretary of the Opposition JLP.

Justice Minister Mark Golding also expressed sadness at the sudden and tragic passing of Thomas and extended condolences to his family on behalf of the ministry, as well as to the attorney’s clients and professional colleagues.

“His expertise and record of service at the private bar led to his election as president of the Cornwall Bar Association in March of this year,” Golding said.

“He was present at the opening of the Western Regional Registry of the Supreme Court in July this year at which he reiterated the call for a branch of the Supreme Court in western Jamaica, to which the Government of Jamaica is also committed.”

Thomas was among five persons taken to medical facilities in St James following the crash which occurred at the Providence Heights/ Whitehouse intersection.

— Mark Cummings