Shahine was my ‘little sister’, her passing 'hurts deeply'

Robinson, 66, died May 29 following a long battle with cancer. She was the Minister of Labour and Social Security at the time of her passing.

The St Ann North East member of parliament was only the second elected female representative among the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) opposition bench then after triumphing in a by-election in 2001.

As the only females among a group of political stalwarts led at the time by former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, who died last year, Grange and Robinson developed a bond that grew stronger and stronger over the years.

In a very passionate tribute to her “dear sister and friend” Grange wrote: “Today, my soul hurts deeply.

“The passing of my dear sister and friend, Shahine Robinson, was not unexpected but still, it hits like a tornado.

“Over the past 20 years, we have walked a political journey in which we matched strides in reaching a common destination and achieving a common goal. We wanted to see a better way of life for our constituents, the people of Jamaica and particularly the women of this country.

Shahine, my sister, I will always love you. You are forever in my heart. You have served well and now your work is over. Sleep in peace and may the angels guide your path as you transition to a better place. pic.twitter.com/puZXf712nP

— Hon.Olivia Grange (@Babsy_grange) May 29, 2020

“When Shahine came to Parliament in 2001, after what is still one of the biggest political upsets in Jamaican history, she joined me as the only female on the opposition side.  She became my little sister.

“Having directed the public relations aspect of her campaign, I knew her very well and I knew what she had to offer.

“She was a gentle and kind soul who gave dedicated service to the people of North East St Ann as their MP.”

Robinson’s qualities and effective leadership skills saw her being appointed State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister in 2007 with responsibility for local government added in July 2011 before given further exposure as State Minister in the Ministry of Transport and Works that same year. Following the 2016 General Election won by the JLP, Prime Minister Andrew Holness included Robinson to his Cabinet as Minister of Labour and Social Security.

“Shahine led with her heart whether she [is] handling constituency affairs or leading a Ministry.  She did every duty with passion and compassion for the welfare of the most vulnerable. Her passionate advocacy on behalf of the poor will always be remembered,” Grange said.

“I could readily call on Minister Robinson for support in any area of her portfolio responsibilities.

“Shahine will be sorely missed in the Cabinet, in the Parliament, at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and in her beloved north east St Ann, where the people became part of her family.

It is with deep sadness that I inform the nation of the passing of our dear Shahine Robinson, former Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann. pic.twitter.com/cKPzyU7dA5

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) May 29, 2020

Informing the nation of the passing of “our dear friend”, Prime Minister Holness, said: “Shahine was a patriot, a servant of the people, a much loved political representative adored by her constituents, a humanitarian and great personal friend.”

He added: “She fought courageously against her illness; her passing has left us with a sense of deep sorrow and we shall miss her dearly.”

Opposition leader Dr Peter Phillips in a statement to the media said of Robinson: She was a hard-working politician and Cabinet minister who conducted the affairs of the ministry with dignity and decency. This, over the years gained her the respect of her parliamentary colleagues on both sides of the political divide. On the political hustings, she was formidable and organized.

“Shahine had good relationships with persons on both sides of the aisle and pursued her job with basic decency.”

On Instgram, senior advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright said Robinson, who he referred to as ‘Aunty’ was a “Phenomenal, humble lady [who] had a huge and positive impact. Many stories, many lessons… From university days she guided many in the political process and always drilled into us the importance of putting the people first at all times”.