2025 IN MEMORIAM

The year 2025 saw the passing of many prominent Jamaicans whose contributions left lasting marks on the nation's culture, politics, sports, and public life. From celebrated musicians to pioneering educators, politicians, and community leaders, these individuals shaped Jamaica's identity both at home and abroad. Their legacies – spanning decades of achievement, service, and inspiration – continue to influence generations, and their deaths were widely mourned across the island and the diaspora. The following is a list of notable Jamaicans who passed away in 2025 honouring their lives and accomplishments.

Music, Arts & Culture

Cocoa Tea

Reggae singer and songwriter Colvin George Scott, professionally known as Cocoa Tea, died on March 11 at the age of 65. A prolific figure in reggae and roots music with hits like Holy Mount Zion, Love Me Truly, and Good Life, Cocoa Tea was a beloved voice whose work influenced generations and earned respect both in Jamaica and internationally, particularly for his thoughtful lyrics and deep contributions to the genre.

Jimmy Cliff

International reggae legend James Chambers, known as Jimmy Cliff, died on November 24 at age 81. A pioneer in ska, rocksteady, and reggae, Jimmy Cliff helped bring Jamaican music and culture to a global audience with hits like Many Rivers to Cross and You Can Get It If You Really Want and an iconic role in the film The Harder They Come. His passing marked the loss of one of Jamaica's most revered cultural figures.

Velma Pollard

Acclaimed poet and fiction writer Velma Pollard died on February 1 at age 87. Known for her expressive voice and influential works such as Shame Trees Don't Grow Here and Leaving Traces, Pollard was a distinguished Jamaican literary figure whose writing enriched Caribbean letters.

Munair Zacca

Renowned Jamaican stage, television, and film actor Munair Zacca died on April 2 at the age of 79 after a period of ill health. Zacca was best known for his iconic role as Sonny 'Sonny T' Tavares in the long-running Jamaican television drama Royal Palm Estate, where his compelling performances made him a household name. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, he appeared in more than 180 theatre productions and numerous films, including Countryman (1982), Shottas (2002), Better Mus' Come (2011), Kingston Paradise (2013), and Destiny (2014), and was widely praised for his versatility and commitment to the craft. A founding member of Theatre '77, he played a significant role in advancing Jamaican theatre and was celebrated by peers and cultural leaders as one of the island's most accomplished actors.

Sidney Thorpe

Sidney Thorpe, the longtime keyboardist for the legendary Jamaican band Fab 5, died on May 5 at the age of 66 after complications from diabetes led to sepsis. Despite being visually impaired, he enjoyed a successful nearly five-decade career with Fab 5, contributing to their signature sound on hits like Ring Road Jam and Yuh Safe and earning admiration as a gifted and versatile musician.

Religion

Bishop Dr Percival Manradgh

Bishop Dr Percival Alton Manradgh, general overseer of the Jamaica Free Baptist Churches, died on May 14 at the age of 63 following a cardiac arrest. He was widely respected for more than five decades of Christian ministry, leading multiple congregations across Jamaica, hosting the popular radio programme 'Total Praise' and mentoring countless believers.

Education

O'Neil and Camesha Lindsay-Stevens

Beloved principal of Jessie Ripoll Primary School O'Neil Stevens, and his wife Camesha Lindsay-Stevens were tragically killed in a motor vehicle crash in the United States on January 3. Oneil was widely recognised for his inspirational leadership in education, and both he and his wife – a banker – were mourned deeply by students, colleagues, and the wider community.

Professor Sir Fitzroy Augier

Professor Sir Fitzroy Richard Roy Augier, a towering figure in Caribbean history and education, died on January 26 at age 100. A historian, academic leader, and pioneering educator, Augier helped shape how Caribbean history is taught across the region, co-authored seminal texts, and was instrumental in the founding and development of the Caribbean Examinations Council. His scholarship and leadership influenced generations of students and scholars throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Law & Judiciary

Valerie Neita-Robertson

Veteran attorney-at-law and King's Counsel Valerie Neita-Robertson passed away in February 2025 at age 71. A formidable criminal defence lawyer renowned for her eloquence and tireless advocacy, she left a powerful legacy in Jamaica's legal community and was respected for her mentorship, commitment to justice, and contributions to high-profile cases.

Ena Collymore-Woodstock

Trailblazing barrister and magistrate Ena Collymore-Woodstock died on December 2 at age 108. A pioneering figure in law and public service, she broke numerous barriers as Jamaica's first female court clerk, Crown solicitor, and resident magistrate, and also served with distinction in World War II before her long legal career.

Ruth Lawrence

Judge Ruth Lawrence, a respected member of Jamaica's judiciary, died on October 1 at the age of 59. She was found unresponsive at her home in Coral Springs, Trelawny, and was later pronounced dead at Falmouth Public General Hospital. Lawrence had a distinguished legal career spanning decades, beginning in Westmoreland in 1997 and rising to become a resident magistrate in 2009. She served with distinction across multiple parishes, including Westmoreland, Trelawny, Kingston, St Andrew, St James, and St Ann, and was particularly noted for her compassion and leadership in family and children's courts. Her sudden passing was mourned by colleagues across the legal profession, with tributes emphasising her unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and service to the most vulnerable in Jamaican society.

Social & Community Advocacy

Percival LaTouche

Prominent advocate for returning residents, Percival LaTouche, died in March 2025 at the age of 85. LaTouche was a staunch campaigner for the rights and safety of Jamaicans returning home after long periods abroad, founding the Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents and working tirelessly toward improved community conditions.

Lenworth Fulton

Lenworth Fulton, a transformative figure in Jamaican agriculture, died in early December 2025 at the age of 70. A respected agriculturalist and advocate for rural communities, Fulton held leadership roles across several major institutions – including as president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, executive director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, and chief executive officer of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority. Throughout his career, he championed farmer support, youth empowerment through agricultural education, and policies aimed at strengthening food security and innovation in farming practices. His visionary leadership was widely credited with advancing the agricultural sector and nurturing the next generation of Jamaican agricultural professionals, and his passing was widely mourned as the loss of a “quiet powerhouse” whose legacy will benefit rural Jamaica for years to come.

Politics & Public Service

Harry Douglas

Retired politician Harry Douglas, former member of parliament for St Mary South Eastern, died on January 11 at age 83. Douglas served in Jamaica's Parliament from 1989 until retiring in 2007 and was known for his long career of community service, including as minister of state in key ministries, and for championing educational infrastructure development in his constituency.

Dorothy Pine-McLarthy

Retired attorney-at-law and electoral leader Dorothy Pine-McLarty died on November 30 at the age of 84. A trailblazer in both law and public service, Pine-McLarty enjoyed a legal career spanning more than 50 years, during which she became the first woman partner at the prominent law firm Myers, Fletcher & Gordon in 1973 and later served as managing partner of the firm's London office. Her most notable national role was as the first female chair of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), a position she held from 2013 until her retirement in 2019, overseeing multiple parliamentary and local government elections and significant electoral reforms. Beyond the courtroom and the ECJ, she was a long-serving board member of the Jamaica National Group and contributed to numerous civic and educational institutions.

Alsion Roach-Wilson

Alsion Roach-Wilson, Jamaica's consul general to New York, died on November 8 at her home in New Jersey in the United States after a battle with breast cancer. She was 62.

Dr David Stair

Dr David Norman Adolphus Stair, a beloved physician and long-serving custos rotulorum of Hanover, died suddenly on February5 at his home in Pond Piece, Hopewell, Hanover. A respected medical doctor, he devoted decades to serving the health needs of his community, often providing care at the Sandy Bay Health Centre and occasionally offering free medical services to those who could not afford them. Appointed custos in May 2009, Dr Stair also played a key civic role in the parish, organisng justices of the peace, supporting local initiatives, and acting as a mentor to young people – service that earned him widespread admiration across Hanover and beyond. His passing was met with profound sorrow throughout the parish, with tributes highlighting his deep commitment to healthcare, justice, and community well-being.

Phyllis Mitchell

Phyllis Mitchell, a respected Jamaican politician and educator, died on January 21 at the age of 79. A member of the People's National Party (PNP), Mitchell represented the North East St Catherine constituency as a member of parliament and later served as minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture.

Errol Ennis

Errol 'Jiggs' Ennis died on 'April 10 at the age of 83. Ennis served as member of parliament for Portland Western from 1989 until 2007, representing the People's National Party (PNP), and also held roles as junior agriculture minister and state minister in the Ministry of Finance during his political career.

Business & Corporate Leadership

Don Wehby

Business leader and public servant Don Wehby, former Group CEO of GraceKennedy Limited and former government senator, died on July 26, 2025, at age 62. A transformative corporate executive, Wehby expanded GraceKennedy's reach across the Caribbean and globally while also serving in government. He was widely respected for his leadership in business and contributions to national development, sports sponsorship, education, and economic advocacy.

Media

Owen James

Owen James, one of Jamaica's most respected journalists and a pioneer in local business journalism, died on March 13. His career spanned nearly five decades across print and broadcast media.

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith, the respected CEO of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, died on December 14 after a brief illness. Smith, an engineer by training who held senior leadership roles in telecommunications across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, joined the RJRGLEANER Group in October 2022 as deputy CEO for print and digital services and was appointed CEO in January 2024. His tenure was marked by a commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and strengthening the integrity and operations of Jamaica's largest news and communications organisation.

Alma Mock-Yen

Veteran Jamaican journalist, broadcaster, educator, and media pioneer Alma Mock-Yen died at the age of 97 on December 31 after a period of illness. Her career spanned more than six decades and touched multiple facets of communication and the arts – from her early work as one of the first persons of colour recruited to Radio Jamaica to her influential role as a lecturer and head of the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at The University of the West Indies, Mona, where she trained generations of journalists and media practitioners.

Donald Oliver

Donald Oliver, an award-winning sports journalist and broadcaster, died suddenly on December 30. Throughout his career, he who worked across major Jamaican media houses and was known for his coverage of various sporting events.

Sports

Allan 'Skill' Cole

Allan 'Skill' Cole died on September 9 at age 74. A Jamaican football legend, he was the youngest player to represent the national team at 15 and played professionally in the US, Brazil, and locally. Beyond football, he worked closely with Bob Marley & The Wailers, contributing to Jamaica's music legacy.

Wellesley Bolt

Wellesley Bolt died on March 31 at the age of 68 after a period of illness. He was best known as the father of sprint legend Usain Bolt and a devoted supporter throughout his son's rise to global stardom. A respected figure in his community of Sherwood Content, Trelawny, Bolt was remembered for running a local grocery shop for many years and for playing a quiet but influential role in motivating and guiding Usain's athletic career. Tributes from national leaders highlighted his deep commitment to family and his contribution to nurturing one of Jamaica's greatest sporting icons.

Richard Russell

Richard Russell, one of Jamaica's most accomplished tennis players, died on January 15 at age 79 after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia. He was celebrated as the only Jamaican to progress beyond the first round at all four major Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open – and became a national champion as a teenager. After his playing career, Russell founded the Russell Tennis Academy, helped nurture young talent, and served as a director of Tennis Jamaica. He was awarded the Order of Distinction in 2022 for his contributions to sport and was widely mourned as a pioneer of Jamaican tennis.