MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Glowing tributes were paid to former councillor for the Walderston division in the Manchester Municipal Corporation, Leroy ‘Lizzy’ Mitchell at his funeral service in Christiana on Saturday.

Several senior members of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) led the remembrance of the veteran politician in Manchester Northeastern.

JLP Deputy Leader and former Member of Parliament for Clarendon Northwestern, Michael Stern, said Mitchell, who died after a brief illness at age 73, served beyond the Walderston division.

“He didn’t just represent his division alone. He went right across my constituency and [Manchester North East], so Lizzy was not only a divisional representative. He just served people right across. As a matter of a fact I could call Lizzy to help me on my side, because he knew the families on my side more than I do,” said Stern.

He added that Mitchell had a love for developing young minds.

“He loved children. He always puts his projects around how he can build minds. He always looked at the young men on the streets and figured what he could do to improve their quality of life,” said Stern.

“He fought to get the roads fixed, the water [in pipes]. He was just an extraordinary man. He was unwavering in his commitment to his community, to his family and you know with all of that he kept his principles… He has left an indelible mark,” added Stern.

JLP Leader and Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared similar sentiments.

Prime Minister and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Andrew Holness (right), Member of Parliament for Manchester North East, Audley Shaw (second from right) and other members of the JLP attended the funeral service of the late Leroy ‘Lizzy’ Mitchell in Christiana on Saturday. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“He was not only our good friend, but he was a representative of the people. Regardless of politics he served people…. Lizzy was a trustworthy man. He hated dishonest gain,” said Holness.

Tributes also came from the Member of Parliament for Manchester North East, Audley Shaw and the Mayor of Mandeville, Donovan Mitchell among others.

Mitchell served as councillor for the Walderston division up to February 2024 when he lost to the People’s National Party’s David Knight by 235 votes in the Local Government election.

— Kasey Williams