KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says the passing of Trade Unionist and former Senator Clive Dobson, is a great loss to Jamaica, especially the trade union movement.

Simpson Miller expressed her profound sadness at the passing of Dobson in a release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), saying “the Jamaican trade union movement has lost a staunch and formidable advocate, who for more than five decades stood at the forefront of the struggle for the rights of the Jamaica worker and the broader development of the practice of industrial relations and trade unionism in Jamaica”.

According to the release, his long trade union career with many landmark victories began as an organiser with the National Workers Union (NWU) in 1958, and saw his rising to the pinnacle of the NWU serving as its president, the release added.

Dobson was a valued anchor in the affairs of the trade union movement and his passing has silenced an irreplaceable and most respected voice in defence of the cause of the Jamaican worker.

“On behalf of the Government, I express my deep personal sadness and sincere condolence to his wife Elizabeth and son and pray you will be comforted in this period of grief,” the release said.