Tom Tavares-Finson, the Jamaica Labour Party’s longest-serving member on the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), has announced his retirement from the post effective this Saturday, January 31.

It will conclude 20 years of dedicated service by Tavares-Finson to both the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC) and the ECJ.

“It has been a profound honour and privilege to be entrusted with serving for an extended time at a Commission which is at the centre of nation’s democratic processes,” Tavares-Finson said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that “I take particular pride in my contributions to the development and implementation of the Electronic Voter Identification system, the Political Party Registration process, Campaign Finance Regulations, and the broader enhancement of Jamaica’s democratic legal and electoral framework.”

Tavares-Finson was first appointed to the EAC in 2005 by then JLP leader Bruce Golding, and subsequently to the ECJ in 2006.

“I remain grateful to him for the opportunity to represent the Jamaica Labour Party in this important capacity,” he said of Golding.

Upon assuming leadership of the party, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness continued Tavares-Finson’s appointment. Over the years, he has served as a party representative during five General Elections, along with several Local Government Elections and by-elections.

“It has been a genuine privilege to serve alongside distinguished chairpersons, including Professor Errol Miller, Dr Herbert Thompson, the Hon Dorothy Pine-McLarty, and the Hon Earl Jarrett,” Tavares-Finson said. “I have also been fortunate to collaborate with dedicated colleagues from both major political parties including Danny Buchanan, DK Duncan, and Dr Aundre Franklin, as well as the many committed Jamaicans who have served as selected members and directors of elections.”

He expressed gratitude to the staff of the Electoral Office of Jamaica and the ECJ, “whose unwavering commitment has ensured the growth, integrity, and enduring strength of this vital national institution.”

Tavares-Finson expressed “special appreciation” to Holness.

“When he re-appointed me to the ECJ, his clear instruction was that Jamaica and its democracy must always come first, before any individual or political party consideration. That guiding principle has shaped my entire tenure. I have never had reason to depart from it,” he said.

“The ECJ has grown from strength to strength. It is a vital pillar of Jamaica’s democratic process which must be preserved. Jamaica and our democratic process must come first, always,” he added.