KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says a leading light of brilliance and erudition in the Jamaican Trade Union movement has been dimmed with the passing of former president of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) and former general secretary of the National Workers Union Lloyd Goodleigh, CD.

“Jamaica has lost a brilliant nation builder and a passionate advocate for workers’ rights with the passing of Mr Lloyd Goodleigh,” the prime Mminister said in a statement Monday.

Simpson Miller said Goodleigh, up to the time of his passing, was an integral part of Jamaica’s initiative to transform labour productivity and generate economic growth and development as head of the Labour Market Reform Commission. She added that Goodleigh was an active member of the National Partnership for Jamaica Council and on December 3, submitted an inspiring and encouraging update on the work of the Labour Market Reform Commission as a central part of the deliberations of the most recent meeting of the Partnership Council.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of this outstanding Jamaican. He constantly and unequivocally articulated a vision that placed education, training and improved worker productivity and engagement as a central pillar of national development and economic growth. His brilliance, foresight, passion and commitment to Jamaica and to the development of the Jamaican worker will be missed,” noted the prime minister.

She pointed out that the former trade union champion gave many years of national service in the trade union movement and as a senator. She also recalled his distinguished representation of Jamaica in the forums of the Caribbean Community and as President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller has extended condolences to his wife Yvette, daughter Elizabeth and other members of Goodleigh’s family.

Goodleigh passed away this morning at the Andrews Memorial Hospital.