‘Ruddy Lawson left a solid legacy in Old Harbour’ | Reactions to passing of former MP

The 80 year-old Lawson died June 8 at the Port Antonio Hospital after a prolong illness. He was Member of Parliament for St Catherine South West from 1976-1980, 1989-93 and 1993-97.

“Ruddy Lawson left a solid legacy particularly in Old Harbour where he would have served as Member of Parliament for many years. It’s a tough loss for the family because though he retired from politics in 1997 because of illness, he was still strong and up and about,” the younger Lawson, who is one of six children for the former parliamentarian, said in an interview with Old Harbour News.

A native of Oracabessa, St Mary, Lawson has been hailed by PNP president Dr Peter Phillips as key figure in rebuilding the political party’s machinery which led to victory in the 1989 general elections.

Described by many as a sharp intellect, Lawson – a past student of Brown’s Hall School and Kingston College – gave up a career in insurance before venturing into politics.

A staunch socialist and supporter of the late former Prime Minister Michael Manley, he served as councillor and mayor of Spanish Town in the St Catherine Parish Council from 1974-76.

Lawson famously defeated the Jamaica Labour Party’s rising prodigy Bruce Golding in the 1976 elections and was state minister up to 1980. He would return as state minister under the Manley administration, first in the Ministry of Agriculture from 1989-93 and then the Ministry of Water and Transport from 1993-95.

As a political servant, Lawson was truly committed to his country, Dr Phillips said.

“He will be missed by the entire party, especially the comrades in St Catherine and Portland where he settled and became a banana farmer after his retirement,” Phillips said.

As MP for St Catherine South West, Lawson oversaw several infrastructural works in the constituency such as improved roads and better access to water for domestic and agriculture purpose.

“Comrade Ruddy Lawson will be sadly missed by the South West St Catherine constituents… He will always be fondly remembered by us for the hope and goodwill he spread across the constituency,” said Dr Kurt Waul, interim PNP chairman for the constituency.

"I express my deepest regrets to his family and love ones,” he added.

On social media, many constituents paid tribute to Lawson, who they describe as kind, peaceful and gentle.

Though a date has not been set, his funeral is expected to take place later this month, Old Harbour News was reliably informed.