LATE attorney-at-law and member of the People’s National Party (PNP) Andrea Moore Phillips was Wednesday remembered as a kind, gentle soul with a strong philanthropic and patriotic spirit who had a huge impact on the lives of under-represented Jamaicans.

Her older brother, St Andrew businessman Dwight Moore, said his sister, who died on Tuesday night following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, was “most gracious and well-known for her attire, her demeanour, her kindness and generosity”.

Moore said that 57-year-old Moore Phillips, who was the fourth of six siblings, followed a line of excellence, which has been patterned by their mother Bernice Moore and father Charles Moore, who are both deceased.

“[Our parents] were people who have served Jamaica with excellence and [were] serious believers in education and philanthropy, and Andrea followed that line,” he told the
Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

Moore said he is proud of his sister’s impact on Jamaica, noting that she was very passionate about her social outreach, opining that the outpouring of expressions of sadness of her death is a reflection of the number of people she touched across Jamaica, and even overseas due to her philanthropic work.

“She has served in philanthropy through the Kiwanis Club, through the People’s National Party — both in West Rural St Andrew and in East Portland — for which she won the nomination and has represented the PNP at different levels, including at the general election level.

“More importantly, she has worked significantly in the PNP for a number of persons. [She was] extremely close to Ambassador Aloun Asamba, has worked closely with both party leaders, very close to [former Prime Minister] PJ Patterson and a number of other PNP luminaries. But she has also been fondly respected by the Prime Minister Andrew Holness and many other politicians. She has spanned the political directorate so I’m proud of her as a Jamaican citizen who served the nation versus just limiting her skills as an attorney,” he said.

Moore said the news of her death “really created shivers to my body”, noting that he has lost one of his little sisters who he was quite fond of and who worked closely with him as his business developed, sharing many thoughts, ideas, concepts and executions together.

In the midst of his grief, Moore, who noted that the type of cancer his sister suffered from was very aggressive, encouraged women to get screened for the disease before it is too late.

“I suggest that women screen from the age of 45 and start screening rapidly on a two-year cycle, looking for what’s happening in their abdomen and look in particular for any kind of cancer that could be taking place in the core area of their body as their regular cramps or menopause might actually be masking issues that are taking place and women may very well be accustomed to bearing pain and just treating it as some sort of a routine monthly activity, when it is, in fact, something that hits you only when it gets to stage four. At that time, you don’t have too much time left,” he said.

Since the news of Moore Phillip’s death, there has been an outpouring of tributes, among them was PNP President Mark Golding, who described Moore Phillips as a loyal Comrade who made a positive contribution to the party.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Andrea Moore Phillips, who passed away last night after bravely fighting her illness,” Golding shared via social media platform, X.

“Andrea remained positive throughout that struggle, and her courage is an inspiration to anyone facing serious adversity. Andrea was a loyal Comrade who made a positive contribution to the party she believed in and loved. RIP, Andrea. You will be missed,” he added.

Several social media users expressed their disbelief and sadness about her death. One user commented: “This is a real shocker! Hard to accept. Sincere condolences to her family,” “We will miss you Andrea,” another said.

“I’m gonna miss Andrea, a kinder, gentle and humble soul you couldn’t [find]. I will miss her calm, reassuring and sober reasoning in our meetings. Condolences your husband Howard, other family members, love ones and friends,” yet another user commented.The party, in a formal release, said it was “deeply saddened by the passing of our dear Comrade, Andrea Moore Phillips, who departed this life… after a valiant fight against illness.”

“Comrade Andrea was more than a member of our party; she was an exemplary Jamaican, a dedicated servant to her country, and an outstanding advocate for the rights and welfare of the Jamaican people,” the release said.

In that release, Golding said that Moore Phillips’s passing “leaves a void that will be hard to fill, but her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire us”.

The PNP further stated that Moore Phillips, who was born into a family with a rich legacy of service to Jamaica, was destined to make her own indelible mark on the nation’s history, noting that as an attorney-at-law, “she brought a fierce dedication to justice and fairness, using her legal expertise to champion the cause of the under-represented”.

The party said Moore Phillips was cherished for her warm personality, her charismatic leadership, and was a true people person, always eager to engage with and uplift those around her. Her passion for service and her love for her country were evident in every endeavour she undertook, the party said.

“Today, as we mourn her untimely passing, we also celebrate the life of a woman who has inspired many within our party and beyond. Andrea Moore Phillips was a beacon of hope, a pillar of strength, and a true political warrior whose contributions to Jamaica will not be forgotten,” the release said.