PRIME Minister P J Patterson yesterday expressed shock at the sudden death of Leo Lawson, chairman of the National Contracts Commission (NCC) and a consultant engineer, following heart surgery.

"It was only just a few weeks ago that Mr Lawson met with me to advise on improving our capacity to award contracts in emergency situations. He indicated then, that he would be away from his post as chairman of the National Contracts Commission for a short while because he was scheduled to undergo elective surgery.

In addition to the National Contracts Commission, he served the National Water Commission as director of engineering between 1981 and 1985 and its predecessor organisation, the National Water Authority, as technical director between 1967 and 1981.

"Jamaica has lost an outstanding son and I have lost a close friend from my childhood days. I hope that as his widow June, children, Peter and Deidre and the other members of his family grieve, they will take some comfort in the yeoman service that he has given to his country and his outstanding work in his professional endeavour," Patterson said in a statement yesterday.

Shaggy & Friends take a bow

Two-day Gathering of the Peacemaker in Negril

Patrons rang in the New Year with gusto at 11:59