MANDEVILLE, Manchester — When Councillor Ryan Peart (People’s National Party, Spur Tree Division) stood to pay tribute to his cousin and former mayor of Mandeville Dean Peart on Tuesday, he broke down in tears.

This amid the sombre mood as councillors from both sides of the political aisle at the Manchester Municipal Corporation held a special meeting to honour Dean Peart, who also served in the Spur Tree Division as councillor before becoming Member of Parliament for Manchester North Western and subsequently a Cabinet minister.

Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell said the council intends to rename a parochial road in Manchester North Western in honour of the late politician. He added that there will be a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, July 29 at the Cecil Charlton Park in Mandeville and a condolence book opened at the council ahead of a funeral service on August 5 at the Kendal Conference Centre.

Mitchell described Dean Peart, 77, as one of Manchester’s distinguished sons.

“A man whose life became deeply intertwined with the political and civic history of this parish. The passing of the honourable Dean Alexander Peart gives us a pause to reflect not only on the offices he held, but on the standard of leadership he represented,” said Mitchell.

Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell (centre) is flanked by cousins of Dean Peart, councillor Ryan Peart and Adion Peart. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“Every generation is shaped by leaders who influenced the direction of their communities whether one knew him as mayor, councillor, Cabinet minister, Member of Parliament, or simply as Deanie. There is no doubt that he devoted his life’s work to the advancement of Manchester and to the better of who placed their confidence in him.

“His service reminds us that local government is more than administration, it is about people, it is about creating opportunities for children, strengthening communities, advocating for those voices who are seldom heard and making decisions that improve the quality of life for generations yet to come,” added Mitchell.

Minority leader and councillor Omar Miller (Jamaica Labour Party, Craighead Division) said Peart was among a group of politicians loved by many.

“The truth be told, when you think about Deanie Peart you have to think about Roger Clarke and Audley Shaw. You have some politicians who are for the people… They live amongst the people, eat, drink and do everything amongst the people,” said Miller.

“Based on the work that Mr Peart put in we [JLP] have been trying for a very long time to get that seat, but the work and the foundation that has been laid I know that even today MP Mikael [Phillips] still stands on some of these hard work that was put in,” added Miller.

The late Dean Peart’s son, Dean “Dino” Peart (left) and PNP Region Five chairman Hopeton McCatty pay keen attention as members of the Manchester Municipal Corporation paid tribute to the former mayor on Tuesday. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

Councillor Iceval “Cherry” Brown (JLP, Grove Town Division) said Peart was a caring person and a good representative of the people.

“He was my friend. He was not partial… I was sick some time ago and he and his brother Michael came to my house to look for me. I can remember Mr Deanie said to Michael, ‘Take care of Councillor Brown.’ I used to compare the roads in his constituency and I would say this man is a good MP. The roads look so good and when I compared it with [Manchester] south I was so disappointed,” she said.

Councillor Andrew Smith (PNP, New Green Division) encouraged his fellow councillors to emulate Peart’s work and representation.

“Deanie loved his people. He identified people by name and face. He would come into Greenvale and park his van and walk on foot. He didn’t walk with any bodyguard. He went into people’s houses, sat and drank from the enamel cup… Us as politicians, if we took a leaf from his book to be more personal and more on the ground with our people, longevity will be our best friend,” said Smith.

Members of the Peart family, including Peart’s son, also named Dean, affectionately called Dino, and his cousin Adion Peart watched the council meeting from the gallery. They were joined by PNP Region Five chairman Hopeton McCatty.