Jamaican Minister mourns passing of former trade union supervisor

Jamaica's Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has expressed deep sadness over the death of Wycliffe Matthews, former Island Supervisor of the Bustamame Industrial Trade Union (BITU).

Matthews passed away on Friday at the age of 90, following a period of illness. Minister McKenzie extended condolences to Matthews' family, friends, and former colleagues, highlighting his lifelong dedication to service and strong advocacy for Jamaican workers.

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I am saddened to learn of the passing of Wycliffe Matthews and extend my deepest condolences, along with commiserations from the entire local government community to his family, friends and former colleagues. Wycliffe lived a life dedicated to service and strong advocacy on behalf of workers in Jamaica. He was results-oriented in terms of achieving the best outcome for those who he lobbied for.

"Wycliffe lived a life dedicated to service and strong advocacy on behalf of workers in Jamaica. He was results-oriented in terms of achieving the best outcome for those who he lobbied for," McKenzie stated. He further described Matthews as a competent chief negotiator, particularly in the agricultural sector, who worked passionately to improve the lives of those he represented.

Matthews also had a significant career in local government, serving as a former councillor for both the May Pen and Sandy Bay divisions in Clarendon and holding the position of Mayor. The minister emphasized that the entire local government fraternity benefited from Matthews' contributions, expressing gratitude for his life and service to the country.

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Wylcliffe was also a competent and effective chief negotiator who did excellent work in lobbying on behalf of farmers. He truly believed in representing the people and did so with passion, fervour and deep commitment. At the heart of his work was seeking to improve the lives of those he committed to serve. The entire local government fraternity is no doubt better for the contribution of Wycliffe Matthews. We give thanks for his life and quality service to our country.