KINGSTON, Jamaica — Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Party (JLP), has expressed shock at the passing of former vice president Omar Francis.

Francis, the councillor-caretaker of the Point Hill Division in St Catherine West Central, died in a motor vehicle crash in Byles near Kitson Town in the parish Monday morning.

READ: JLP councillor-caretaker killed in St Catherine crash

In a statement, G2K’s current vice president Titanya Clarke said: “Our various groups are mourning at this time as this was not the news we expected, there are many of us who recall our last interaction and still cannot accept that it was our last exchange.”

She added that Omar believed in G2K, “believed in our core and was never timid in saying he was a G2K man.”

Francis reportedly maintained a connection to G2K despite new responsibilities so much so that G2K’s Management Committee executed its 2022 Labour Day Project in the Point Hill District.

Ryan Strachan, president of G2K, said Francis’ 2015’2016 vice president tenure was characterised by strident political activism which served him well in his ascension to representational politics.

“The loss of Omar is a tragedy for his family, constituents, the Jamaica Labour Party, Generation 2000, and by extension, Jamaica… As an organisation, G2K takes tremendous pride in our alumni’s accomplishments and while we understand the cycle of life, this just feels like a life that has come to an end much too early. We extend deepest condolences to his children, his family and friends,” Strachan added.