KINGSTON, Jamaica— A thanksgiving service for Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor Christopher Townsend is underway at the Beulah Pentecostal Temple on Olympic Way in Kingston.

Townsend died suddenly on November 13 from what is believed to be natural causes.

He was councillor for the Olympic Gardens Division.

Photo of funeral program for deceased JLP councillor Christopher Townsend.

The governing JLP expressed deep sadness and regret following the news of the councillor’s passing last month.

“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 Minister of Local Government and Deputy Leader, Desmond McKenzie.

He described Townsend as 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.”