KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Andrew Holness on Monday expressed regret at the passing of trade unionist, Lloyd Goodleigh.

The trade unionist passed away this morning at the Andrews Memorial Hospital.

In paying tribute to Goodleigh, Holness said he was a veteran of the trade union movement who championed the cause of the Jamaican worker.

“Lloyd Goodleigh dedicated his life to providing selfless and distinguished service to the labour movement in Jamaica, and did so in a most admirable manner,” Holness said in a news release. “He was a passionate and avid champion of workers’ rights and used his skills as a negotiator to expand opportunities to workers, secure better working conditions and promote their well being.

“A more formidable and compelling voice at the negotiating table one could hardly find,” the Opposition leaders said.

He said that Goodleigh has played an invaluable role in the social and political development of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

“He gave faithful and dedicated service as general secretary of the National Workers Union (NWU), president of the Caribbean Congress of Labour and general secretary of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Union,” Holness said. “He was known among his peers and across Jamaica as a fierce defender of workers’ rights. His sterling contribution to the labour movement extended beyond the shores of Jamaica to the region and indeed, the wider international community.

The Opposition leader said with Goodleigh’s passing, Jamaica has lost a devout champion and stalwart of the trade union movement.

“Let me on behalf of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party, and those who worked closely with him over the years, extend heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues in this their hour of bereavement”, Holness said.