PRESIDENT of the People’s National Party (PNP) and leader of the Opposition, Dr Peter Phillips, is mourning the death of Ambassador Marjorie Taylor, whom he described as a party stalwart and long-time politician yesterday.

A release from the PNP said Taylor died on Saturday afternoon after battling an illness for some time.

“Marjorie Taylor gave outstanding service to her community and party. she was passionate about the upliftment of the Jamaican people and, throughout her life, defended the rights of children.

“When I met her, I admired her loyalty and dedication to the party and particularly the leader Michael Manley, whom she served with distinction. She was excellent in her support of the younger generation and, as for me, she was a source of encouragement and provided excellent guidance in my early political career. She has remained a true friend, a mentor, and a faithful guide. She was an astute politician — loyal to her country to the very end,” Dr Phillips is quoted as saying in the release.

Taylor served for many years as former Prime Minister Michael Manley’s special assistant and councillor for the Norman Gardens Division of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, the release said.

On Manley’s retirement from public life, the PNP said Taylor succeeded him as Member of Parliament for Kingston Eastern and Port Royal.

She was also a senator and minister of state in the Ministry of Local Government, the release continued.

After her retirement, the PNP said Taylor was appointed Jamaica’s first ambassador for children, and she brought Jamaica’s name into the international debate on child abuse and children’s rights advocacy.

“Her pioneering work helped to establish the Office of the Children’s Advocate,” the release said.

Dr Phillips also expressed condolences to Taylor’s family and friends during this difficult time of her passing.