KINGSTON, Jamaica —Jamaica Labour Party General Secretary, Dr Horace Chang, on Sunday issued condolences to the family of former Cabinet Minister Dean Peart, describing him as a politician of the highest calibre who had respect for standards of decency, decorum, and integrity.

“Dean Peart was committed to Jamaica and its development. He was generally honest in his remarks on issues of national importance. However, though he was robust when he thought it necessary in his submissions to Parliament, Mr Peart never resorted to being indecent or disrespectful. His conduct in Parliament and the political arena, in general, was of the highest calibre. We will miss his contributions to national discourse,” said Chang.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said it is worthy of note that, though Peart belonged to the opposite side of the political aisle, and a member of the People’s National Party, he believed in collaborating with all relevant stakeholders in order to advance any cause that was in the national interest.

“Dean was of an era where there was a general understanding that disagreement was inevitable, but it was never an excuse for insolence. He was strident in defending causes in which he believed. He was a competent servant of the people,” Chang recalled.

“On behalf of the Jamaica Labour Party, I express our deepest condolences to Dean’s family, including his wife and children. We also hold in our prayers his brother, Michael, who served as Speaker of the House while Dean was a Government Minister and also a Member of Parliament. Dean no doubt hailed from a family that believed in giving genuine and committed public service. His contribution will not be forgotten,” Chang added.

Peart died on Sunday after reportedly battling illness. He was 77 years old.