FOR the third time since the local government elections in February, a sitting councillor has died suddenly.

This time it is Councillor Christopher Townsend (Jamaica Labour Party, Olympic Gardens Division), who died from suspected natural causes on Wednesday night.

In May, People’s National Party (PNP) councillor for Morant Bay Division in St Thomas, Rohan “Washy” Bryan died while the JLP’s Marjorie McLeod-McFarlane, who held the Aenon Town Division in Clarendon, died in September after a brief illness.

Four candidates, two each from the PNP and the JLP, have been nominated to contest a by-election on November 22 to fill those vacancies.

On Thursday morning news broke of the latest death of a sitting member of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAMC) when Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a post on the social media site
X, made the announcement.

Holness, who worked with Townsend in St Andrew West Central constituency for several years, said people in the area are having a sad day as they mourn his passing.

“In this time of sorrow, our hearts go out to Townsend’s family who are left shattered by this tremendous loss. I pray that God’s grace strengthens them and gives them peace and comfort as they process this painful news,” said Holness.

The prime minister said Townsend was a steadfast councillor and advocate who poured his heart and soul into representing the people of Olympic Gardens.

“He was dedicated to the community and his leadership impacted many lives. Today we remember him as a representative of the people, a friend, and a pillar of our community. Rest well Townsend, your legacy will be cherished,” added Holness.

In the meantime, minister of local government and JLP deputy leader in charge of Area Council One Desmond McKenzie expressed regret at the death of Townsend.

In a release Thursday morning, McKenzie said the JLP was deeply saddened by the passing of Townsend.

“We are shocked at news of the death of Councillor Townsend. He had served the people of the Olympic Gardens Division with distinction for a long time and provided critical support to the Member of Parliament and our party leader, Dr Andrew Holness,” said McKenzie.

“Councillor Townsend was an outstanding representative who was fiercely dedicated to service and advancing the interest of the people he served. He has no doubt made a positive contribution to the local government fraternity in Jamaica,” added McKenzie.

He said the JLP has expressed its deepest condolence to Councillor Townsend’s family, friends and colleagues following the tragic development which the party is currently struggling to come to terms with.

“Our party intends to offer our support to Councillor Tonwsend’s family and I have no doubt that at the appropriate time his contribution to the local government fraternity in Jamaica will be duly and appropriately recognised,” added McKenzie.