KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed sadness at the passing of distinguished jurist and retired Court of Appeal president Justice Ian Forte.

Justice Forte died at his home early Friday. He was 89.

READ: Retired Justice Ian Forte passes away

In a statement shortly after his passing, the party described Justice Forte as a legal luminary whose contributions positively advancing his country and the wider Commonwealth jurisprudence.

“We are grateful for his contribution to Jamaica and the region. Justice Forte was not only an eminent jurist but a humanitarian who approached people he came across with kindness, thoughtfulness and sincerity,” the party said.

The JLP also extended condolences to Justice Forte’s family, particularly his widow, Marlene Malahoo Forte, Member of Parliament for St James West Central and former attorney general.

Retired Justice Forte is renowned for an illustrious legal career spanning over five decades across the Caribbean. He has held some of the highest judicial offices in the region.

He served on the Court of Appeal of Jamaica bench from 1988 to 1999, as director of public prosecutions in Jamaica between 1977 and 1988 and also expanded his judicial service across the Caribbean, sitting as a Judge of Appeal for both the Cayman Islands Appeal Court (2004 to 2011) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Court of Appeal starting in 2014.

He was also appointed to serve as a key member and panellist for the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Appeal Tribunal in Jamaica.