MONTEGO BAY, ST James — Tributes poured in Wednesday for a man some regarded as the ‘father of Montego Bay’, Cecil Donaldson, who served as the city’s mayor from 1966 to 1969 and again from 1975 to 1981.

He was 93 when he died earlier in the day.

A former trade unionist, Donaldson served the National Workers Union for 43 years. He first entered the political arena on a People’s National Party ticket in 1956 and served as a councillor for 25 years, representing the Montego Bay West Division. During his stint as an elected official, he was chairman of the Association of Local Government Authorities as well as several other organisations.

In a statement, the St James Municipal Corporation lauded Donaldson for his contributions over the years.

“He was never afraid to make hard decisions, especially those which are in the best interest of the city and parish and the residents. He had local government and governance at heart and was never too busy to offer a word of advice and guidance to everyone, especially young councillors. The parish of St James has suffered a great loss,” said the acting mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, on behalf of the municipal corporation.

Donaldson’s name is often mentioned in discussions about Montego Bay being granted city status in 1981, a point made by minority leader Councillor Michael Troupe (PNP, Granville Division).

“The former mayor is the father of Montego Bay. He is one of the mayors that transformed the city. He is the mayor that put the council in the permanent building at 19A Union Street, he is the mayor that bought that building,” Troupe told the Jamaica Observer.

The building was renamed in Donaldson’s honour in 2005. According to Troupe, he was well respected because of his reputation for having St James’ best interests at heart. These efforts did not go unnoticed and in 2009 Donaldson was conferred with the Sam Sharpe Award for Outstanding Service to the parish.

Noted historian Shalman Scott, who succeeded Donaldson following his second stint as mayor, spoke of the pivotal role he played alongside former Minister of Communications and Works Allan GS Coombs, in the development of Montego Bay. Among the more notable projects in which Donaldson had a hand was the transformation of a former military airport into what is now Sangster International Airport, Scott said. He also noted that Donaldson was part of the team that pushed the development of Negril, which was mostly swampland at the time.

Councillor and Senator Charles Sinclair, himself a former mayor of Montego Bay, said Donaldson’s death has created a void which will not be easily filled. The late mayor, he said, carried out his work in an unbiased manner and was a close confidante of another former mayor of Montego Bay, his father Charles E Sinclair Sr.

“He was a repository of solid information, especially as it relates to local government and governance. I express condolences to members of his family, especially his son Noel who also walked the same political journey as the senior Donaldson as councillor and mayor of Montego Bay,” said Sinclair.

Businessman Mark Kerr-Jarrett was also among those who spoke of Donaldson’s legacy.

“His contribution to the city was substantial and significant and he will be missed. My condolences to his family and colleagues,” said Kerr-Jarrett ,who is a director of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The outspoken Donaldson was also remembered for his penchant for weighing in on hot issues such as his controversial call for the relocation of the community of Canterbury and his call, in 2012, for training to be provided to councillors and other officials representing St James.