WATCH: Dean Peart hailed as visionary behind Manchester NW community centres

Manchester North Western, Jamaica, mourns the loss of former Member of Parliament Dean Peart, who passed away Sunday morning at the age of 77. Peart was widely hailed as a visionary figure, particularly for his instrumental role in establishing 13 community centers across the constituency's four divisions: New Green, Mike Gully, Spur Tree, and John’s Hall.

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He was one of the few politicians who you could see the work that he has done even years back when he left politics.

His cousin, Councillor Ryan Peart, spoke glowingly of his legacy, stating that Peart's impact on infrastructure, including community centers and basic schools, was evident even years after he left politics. "Ninety percent of the community centers in North West Manchester were built by Dean Peart," Ryan Peart emphasized, highlighting the tangible improvements brought to the area during his tenure.

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In terms of infrastructure [including] community centres…. Ninety per cent of the community centres in North West Manchester were built by Dean Peart. He improved basic school right across the four divisions.

Dean Peart's political career spanned several decades. He was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Manchester North Western in 1989 and secured five consecutive victories for the People's National Party (PNP) before retiring prior to the December 2011 elections. Beyond his role as MP, he also served as a Cabinet minister, leading the ministries of labor, environment and lands, and local government. He was additionally a former mayor of Mandeville.

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Today is a very sad day for the Peart’s family and the extended family and Jamaica on a whole. We have lost a great man, a political giant. He was a pillar, a mentor and a strong foundation in our family. He was our main motivator for entering politics, because we wanted to carry on the legacy of his work and the love he had for the people.

Family members and political colleagues remembered Peart as a "political giant," a "pillar," and a "mentor." His brother, Adion Peart, who had switched allegiance to the Jamaica Labour Party, shared that Dean was a constant source of motivation and encouragement, maintaining close family ties throughout his life. His influence extended beyond party lines, earning him respect from both "comrades and labourites."

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He was loved and appreciated by comrades and labourites on a whole.