Former Member of Parliament for North West St Ann, Princess Lawes, has died. She was 79.

Lawes died Friday morning after ailing for a while, according to the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which she served in several capacities before retiring some years ago.

In politics, after serving as senator for several years, Lawes became the first Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member to win the North West St Ann seat when she beat the People's National Party's Arnold Bertram in 1980. The PNP had maintained a hold on the constituency since it was created in 1959.

Lawes was in charge of Women's Affairs, during the 1980s, when former JLP leader Edward Seaga was prime minister.

At the Jamaica Union Conference, Lawes served as Communication, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director. She also served as personal assistant to two former union presidents.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness wrote on social media site X that "her passing marks the end of an era, not only for the Jamaica Union Conference but for our nation as a whole."

"Her contributions as a Member of Parliament, Junior Minister, & Senator were invaluable, particularly in advocating for women, children, & the marginalised in our society," he continued.

He said Lawes' impact will be felt for generations to come, inspiring all to strive for a better, more inclusive Jamaica.

- Carl Gilchrist

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