MINISTER of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has praised the newly commissioned portrait of late former parliamentarian Princess Lawes as a fitting tribute to one of Jamaica’s pioneering champions of gender equality and women’s leadership.

Grange, who recently collected the portrait at the ministry’s head office in New Kingston ahead of its presentation to the Organization of American States (OAS), said the artwork honours the significant contributions Lawes made to Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the wider hemisphere.

Lawes made history in the 1980 General Election when she defeated People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Arnold Bertram to claim victory in St Ann North Western, making it the first time the JLP won the constituency.

She held the constituency until 1989 when she did not contest the general election.

“Princess Lawes served with distinction as a Member of Parliament, a parliamentary secretary, chair of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation and as the first Caribbean president of the Inter-American Commission of Women,” said Grange.

She commended the effort and craftsmanship invested by artist Greg Bailey in producing the portrait, expressing appreciation to all involved in preserving the legacy of the late national figure.

She also expressed gratitude to members of her ministry who worked diligently to ensure the portrait was completed in time for the unveiling ceremony.

The minister noted that the portrait will be displayed in the Hall of Heroes at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, where it will stand as both a reminder and an enduring symbol of Jamaica’s pivotal role in advancing women’s leadership across the nation and the wider region.