The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is paying tribute to former Councillor for the Denham Town Division, Lorna Joy Leslie.

Leslie, the longest-serving JLP councillor in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), passed away on Tuesday after battling illness.

JLP Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament for Kingston West, Desmond McKenzie is paying glowing tribute to Leslie.

“Lorna Leslie was a stalwart of the Jamaica Labour Party. She served the people of Denham Town and West Kingston with great distinction until she retired in 2011,” McKenzie, who is also the country’s local government minister, said.

“The Jamaica Labour Party and in particular, the West Kingston family extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Lorna’s family. We thank her for her contribution and thank her family for allowing her the time to contribute to her country and the Jamaica Labour Party,” he added.

McKenzie also described Leslie as an “undisputed champion of the poor and dispossessed”.

He said, “She was fearless and effective in advocating for the under-privileged in society. Lorna’s work and commitment will not be forgotten. She was a real outstanding representative who would go the extra mile in strongly advocating on behalf of the elderly and the poor.

“She performed her role as chairman of the KSAMC’s Poor Relief Committee with distinction. She was also equally effective in contributing to the operations of the Denham Town Golden Age Home,” McKenzie added.

In 2021, the KSAMC approved a resolution to rename Metcalfe Street in Denham Town to Leslie Street in tribute to Leslie who served the Denham Town division for 35 years.

Approximately 174 residents of Denham Town signed a petition in support of Metcalfe Street being renamed Leslie Street.

On that occassion, councillors for both sides of the political aisle recognised Leslie as a tireless champion for the poor and praised her passion and dedication to the most vulnerable in society.