Violet Neilson, first female House Speaker, has died

The first female speaker of Jamaica's House of Representatives Violet Neilson, hailed as a "stalwart" of local politics, has died. 

She was 92. 

Speaker Juliet Holness announced the news to lawmakers just before the House adjourned its sitting on Tuesday evening. 

She said an official parliamentary tribute will be arranged. 

Neilson, a former member of Parliament for St James East Central, served as speaker from 1997 to 2003.

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP), of which Neilson was a member, said her passing has left behind a "legacy of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Jamaica".

"It said her tenure as speaker under the PJ Patterson administration Her tenure was marked by her firm yet fair leadership, her integrity, and her tireless advocacy for parliamentary democracy. She was a trailblazer for women in politics and public service, and her contributions have paved the way for many who followed in her footsteps," it said of her tenure as speaker. 

The party added that: "she was known for her deep compassion, her keen intellect, and her steadfast dedication to her constituents.

"Violet Neilson was a beacon of strength and a true servant of the people. Her pioneering spirit and her contributions to our nation will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones during this difficult time," said party president Mark Golding. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he is saddened at Neilson's passing.

"Neilson's contribution to Jamaica was marked by her legacy of service to Jamaica both in the civil and public services, as a teacher then later in representational politics serving the people of St James East Central," he said in a statement. 

And former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, under whose administration Neilson served as speaker, said her death is "a very personal and painful loss which no words can adequately convey". 

"A devoted and relentless representative in the cause of uplifting the children, women and every citizen within her constituency. The name of Violet Neilson will remain indelibly etched in that annals of our nation as the first female Speaker of the House of Representative," he said. 

Neilson has also been celebrated for being the first female president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society. 

More later.

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