KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie has expressed profound sorrow following the passing of Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay and Councillor for the Spring Garden Division, Dwight Crawford.

Observer Online understands that Crawford passed away on Saturday. He was reportedly rushed to hospital after being found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.

READ: Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Dwight Crawford has died

“The grief that is felt right now is deep, but it is more than personal. It is being felt right through St James from the municipal level and way beyond, where “Debo”, as he was affectionately known, was deeply admired, respected and loved,” McKenzie said in a statement.

“He was a valuable and able servant of local government, and in the 11 years that I have worked with him as minister, he proved to be highly capable, respectful, and someone who built bridges to ensure public needs were met.

He said Jamaica has lost a dedicated son.

“Local government has lost a good and faithful servant. The Jamaica Labour Party has lost a tireless advocate for and implementer of a better life for our citizens through parochial government. I pray for God’s special comfort for the family, and many friends of the late Dwight Crawford, and though we have lost him way too soon, I feel assured that he is resting in peace,” McKenzie said.