ROSE HALL, St James — Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson on Monday spoke of the enthusiasm with which the late Violet Neilson embraced her historic role in the House of Representatives and how she earned respect on both sides of the aisle by remaining above the fray of partisan politics.

In a pre-recorded message he also told those gathered for his former schoolmate’s official funeral the back story to the pinnacle of her time at Gordon House.

“The results of the 1997 General Election made it necessary to find a new speaker in the House. The time had come for Violet Neilson to cross the bridge and enter a new frontier for women,” said Patterson, who is also a former president of the People’s National Party (PNP).

Neilson created history when she was the first woman elevated to House Speaker after retaining her St James East Central seat. She served in the Lower House’s highest position until 2002.

“In acquainting her of the decision, Violet, with a wide grin, expressed her readiness and confidence in assuming the highest legislative office,” Patterson said.

During his tribute he also referenced the spirited debates over which she presided as Speaker.

“Honourable Violet Neilson ensured no matter how intense the debate or wide the divide, the business of the House was conducted with decorum. She understood well that the legislative chambers were not schools and frequently there would be robust exchanges,” he said.

“The only salutary approach was for the Speaker to earn respect by maintaining a sense of fair play devoid of partisan considerations. Her dignified demeanour was underpinned by resolute ingenuity to avert the tempest of vitriolic disputation and thereby maintain orderly calm,” he added.

Neilson’s record of public service spanned 13 years, between 1989 and 2002. She was Member of Parliament (MP) for St James East Central and held several positions in Government up to 1993. These include parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Development, Planning and Production; Ministry of Education; and Ministry of Health.

After successfully contesting the St James East Central seat in the 1993 General Election, Neilson was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, serving in that position until 1997.

On Monday, Patterson described her as a pioneer whose historic accomplishments paved the way for women who followed.

“She fashioned a new template in the pursuit of gender equality and aspiration. She is truly a legend,” he continued.

Members of Neilson’s family provided insight into the life of the extraordinary Somerton resident who lived in the rural St James community for most of her 92 years.

Jacqueline Brodber could barely hold back tears as she sat, listening keenly to the accolades and outpouring of love and appreciation for her mother. When she spoke of the woman she described as her “world” and her “fiery bold queen”, she used humour to manage the pain.

“I choose to laugh even though my heart is broken and my eyes are filled with tears,” she said.

She went on to relate various tales of her mother, a school teacher, and principal of the school she attended at the time — Dumfries Primary. Brodber laughingly spoke of how they butted heads when she repeatedly arrived late for school though her mother sent her off early. She also peeled back the curtain for a peek into what it was like to be the child of a politician.

“One particular weekend she came back especially fired up about something the late Edward Seaga [former leader of the Jamaica Labour Party] said. I listened carefully and, again, stubborn Jackie said, ‘But Mom, I don’t think what he said was wrong’,” she related.

“With utter shock and a stare that could kill, she stopped, she looked at me, checking to ensure she heard correctly and after a minute or two she said, ‘Pickney, you see how you white, you must be related to him!’ Smart-mouth Jackie replied, ‘So that would mean…’ But I never finished that sentence because I ran for my life,” she said eliciting laughter from those who had turned out to pay their respects.

Also paying tribute were Brodber’s daughters Shevone Bulgin and AnnaKaye Brodber.

For Bulgin, Neilson was larger than life.

“I remember being four years old and spending time with my grandma and there was this huge centipede in the corner of the room right above the bed,” she disclosed.

“My grandma swooped me up and got me out of the room so quickly. That’s the moment I started to look at her as my Superwoman,” she said.

Her sister AnnaKaye spoke of how her fear of the dark led to a tradition of sleeping in Neilson’s bed during each visit.

“Each night we would read the
Bible before bed and prayed right before we went off to sleep. I listened to you pray and cover us diligently many nights and I’m convinced to this day, those prayers have carried me through life,” she said, speaking directly to her beloved grandmother.

Neilson passed on June 11, 2024, at age 92.