KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, is hailing the life of work of the late Melvin Jones, councillor for the May Pen North Division of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation.

Jones passed away Sunday after ailing for some time.

McKenzie said Jones’ strong work ethic, passion for people and engaging personality all combined to endear him to all who knew him and worked with him.

“His stature and influence went beyond the May Pen North Division. His devotion to the development of Clarendon through Local Government was without question,” expressed McKenzie.

He added that during Jones’ illness, he communicated his unswerving support for the work being done to transform the system of local government.

“It is no surprise to me that for the over the many years of service he gave as a councillor, the electors kept returning him with overwhelming majorities, irrespective of national voting trends,” added McKenzie.

The local government minister further stated that Jones has made a valuable contribution to local governance, and has left behind a blueprint of effective service for his successor.

“Even as we mourn his passing and acknowledge the void that it leaves in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation and in Local Government in general, we are also happy for the proud legacy he has created. He lived a life worthy of emulation, and on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and of the Government of Jamaica, I embrace Councillor Jones’ family and friends with every comforting wish and blessing,” said McKenzie.