Jamaica’s Finance Minister Nigel Clarke has expressed sadness and grief at the untimely passing of his Close Protection Officer (CPO), Sergeant Marlon Smith.

Sergeant Smith, who was employed to the JCF was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Trelawny on Thursday. Reports are that he was travelling at the head of the Minister’s convoy heading from Kingston to Montego Bay. Upon reaching a section of the Cooper’s Pen main road, he allegedly lost control of the vehicle, which collided with a Honda CR-V and then careened into the path of a trailer. His car later burst into flames.

Following this, the Minister took to Instagram on Friday where he described the situation as tragic but also took the time to laud the officer for dedicated service.

“Yesterday we lost Sergeant Marlon Smith in a tragic motor vehicle accident. Sergeant Smith was assigned to me as a Close Protection Officer. I am deeply saddened, beyond words and I’m still processing this tragedy” the Minister lamented of the veteran officer.

A kind person

He continued; “Marlon was a dedicated professional and the finest gentleman. He was absolutely devoted to his job. He was knowledgeable, skillful, experienced, and always situationally aware. He was, therefore, a reassuring presence who became a treasured member of my family.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Nigel Clarke (@drnigelclarkeja)

Dr Clarke also described Sergeant Smith as a kind person. “Marlon exhibited kindness and generosity in abundance. He was thoughtful and gentle and possessed a great sense of humour. He was committed to his family and to his boys and he cherished and celebrated their achievements. In addition, he was an excellent domino player who could make any partner look good” the Minister continued.

“This is a terrible and intensely painful loss and my deepest sympathies to out to Marlon’s wife, his three sons, grandson and to the close protection officer community and to the wider Jamaica Constabulary Force. Marlon will always remain in our hearts” the Minister wrote in the touching tribute.

Other tributes have poured in for the man as friends and colleagues try to come to grips with his death. Colleague Minister Olivia Grange wrote on social media “Sgt Marlon Smith, we mourn with your family on your sudden a d tragic death. Our prayers for blessings on your soul and strength for your family and colleagues” she posted on Facebook.Smith has been doing his role for a while having also served in the capacity for former Cabinet Minister Derrick Smith.