Late PNP councillor to be buried October 17

Campbell, 61, died September 27 after a long battle with kidney problems.

He served as the elected councillor of the Old Harbour North Division after defeating Keith Knight at the polls in the 2012 Local Government Elections. He would subsequently step down from representational politics due to ill-health ending approximately a decade-and-half of service at the local level.

Leader of the Old Harbour Baptist Church Rev. Robert Campbell said of his late church brother: “He was a very faithful person after he was baptised. He’s someone who is very jovial and lovely to talk to, very amiable, a people person, somebody who the membership loved very much and we always go and look for him. And when we go to look for him it’s always a memorable time sharing with him. We would always be blessed sharing with him because he always has some encouraging words. He will be really missed by us.”

Affectionately called ‘Name Brand’ or ‘Steppa’ by his peers, Campbell first entered representational politics at the turn of the new millennium but suffered consecutive defeats to Esworth ‘Kojack’ Frankson for the Old Harbour Central Division in 2003 and then to Knight for the Old Harbour North seat in 2007.

But his expertise in government, having worked in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, was a massive boost to the PNP’s political machinery in the constituency.

Dr Kurt Waul, the PNP representative for St Catherine South West paid homage to his late colleague in whom he would have learnt a lot from.

“He has been a great inspiration and motivator to me throughout my life and words alone cannot express the gratitude I have for the role he played. His unbridled kindness to his constituents and the many projects he completed throughout the two divisions he served will be his lasting legacy,” Dr Waul reflected.

Principal of Old Harbour Primary School George Goode spoke glowingly of his dear friend, who was also an educator and past graduate of MICO Teacher’s College and St Catherine High School. Writing on his personal Facebook page Goode said: “I am saddened at your passing. I don't know when I will stop crying. You were my friend, mentor, counsellor, confidant and motivator. You always wanted the best for me, you were about upward mobility. You guided me at every step of the way. You were at my wedding to support me like you did at every important thing since we met. You were my first son's Godfather and you love my children dearly. I was the best man at your wedding. I served as your personal assistant for approximately 10 years.

“I will never regret those moments, the many walks, you never leave me. Wherever you go, you never leave me. You were kind, intelligent, compassionate, witty, charismatic and a lover of all. You loved your family and the people you served without boundaries. You had humility and was characterized by immaculate integrity.”

The body of the late councillor will be interred at Thetford Cemetery, Church Pen.