Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has hailed former senator and attorney Christopher Bovell as a man of “unquestioned integrity” whose life was defined by service and a deep commitment to Jamaica.

Bovell, who was 87 years old, died on January 14, 2026.

His life and legacy were celebrated during a thanksgiving service at The Church of St Margaret in Liguanea, St Andrew, on Tuesday, February 10.

In his tribute to the former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) treasurer, Holness, leader of the ruling party, lauded Bovell’s contributions to both the public and private sectors.

He also reflected on the remarkable composure that defined Bovell’s professional and personal life, noting that “in times of challenge and uncertainty, it is useful to have… people who will maintain focus, people who will be objective, and people who will speak truth to authority quietly”.

He pointed out that Bovell also had a fulfilling career in the private sector, where he served with excellence as one of Jamaica’s top corporate lawyers and as a member of the board of GraceKennedy, one of Jamaica’s foremost corporate institutions.

Holness shared that when he became prime minister he benefited from Bovell’s wisdom, as the attorney would write him notes and later WhatsApp messages offering advice.

“I appreciated that because, in many ways, he was fulfilling his duty as a Jamaican. I’m certain that he wanted to see his Government succeed… and so I found that his private interventions were quite useful and very much appreciated,” the prime minister stated.

In his tribute, Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, who worked with Bovell as deputy treasurer for the JLP, said Bovell was a great patriot who served Jamaica well in many capacities.

“His leadership was not loud or boastful… It was grounded in integrity, discipline, and a deep loyalty to the mission we shared for our beloved party,” Vaz stated.

He emphasised that the former senator was a gentle man whose tone was always measured and his approach diplomatic.

“One of his greatest gifts was the way he valued people. He never hesitated to thank those around him, no matter how small their contribution might have seemed. He understood that organisations are built not only on money and plans but on people, each one deserving of respect. When correction was needed, he delivered it with such grace that staff walked away not diminished but grateful,” Vaz said.

He credited Bovell’s impact on his life for shaping him as a public servant.

“Many of us learned by watching him, absorbing the quiet lessons he offered through example, rather than instruction… I thank Mr B for mentoring me and believing in me always, despite the noise,” Vaz added.

Bovell served as a Government senator from 1983 to 1989 and was honoured with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD) for his service in 1994.

He was also a long-standing member of the Jamaican Bar Association, a notary public, a member of the General Legal Council and served on several Government boards.

Bovell practised as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Jamaica from 1964 and was a partner at the law firm Dunn, Cox, Orrett & Ashenheim from 1965, later serving as a consultant. He served as treasurer of the JLP from 1983 to 1989 and was also a member of the party’s Standing Committee.

— JIS

Attorney and family friend John Leiba delivers the eulogy at the thanksgiving service for the life of the late attorney and former Government Senator Christopher Bovell on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness offers words of comfort to Michelle Bovell before the start of the thanksgiving service for the life of her husband Christopher Bovell at the Church of St Margaret on Old Hope Road, St Andrew, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Anthony Watson greets Michelle Bovell, widow of his best friend from childhood days, Chris Bovell, after delivering a tribute to him during the thanksgiving service for the later senator and attorney’s life at The Church of St Margaret in St Andrew on February 10, 2026.