KINGSTON, Jamaica–The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed regret at the passing of attorney-at-law, political stalwart and former public sector board chairman, George Soutar.

The party in a press release on Monday, said Soutar passed away on Monday morning after battling illness for an extended period.

Soutar served as legal advisor to the JLP and was a long-standing member of the party.

King’s Counsel Tavares-Finson lauded Soutar for his contribution to both his country and Party.

“George Soutar was a special human being. He was a competent attorney-at-law who used his expertise for the betterment of the law and for humanity as a whole. He was also a committed and long-standing member of the Jamaica Labour Party and an individual who we could rely upon for expert counsel concerning complex matters.

His passing is a tremendous loss. We regret the loss of Mr Soutar and extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He was no doubt a most distinguished Jamaican who contributed positively to his country. We are grateful for his significant contribution,” he said.

Soutar was admitted to the Jamaican Bar in 1973.

He was appointed King’s Counsel in 2012 and awarded the Order of Distinction at the rank of Commander in 2017.

He also served as president of the Advocates’ Association of Jamaica and practised criminal, civil and company law for decades.

Soutar also chaired several major boards, including the Sports Development Foundation, the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica, and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission.

He also served on boards for the Jamaica Bauxite Mining Institute, Private Security Regulation Authority and Aeronautical Telecommunications.