WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – The People’s National Party (PNP) is in mourning following the sudden death of Maxine Salabie, the councillor candidate for the Friendship Division in Western Westmoreland.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday during a meeting at Hotel Commingle in Savanna-La-Mar, where Salabie, while delivering a brief speech, requested to be excused due to not feeling well. Shortly after leaving, she reportedly collapsed and was swiftly transported to the hospital, where she later died.

The PNP expressed their profound sadness and shock on social media, releasing a statement that read,

“The People’s National Party is deeply saddened and shocked to announce the passing of Comrade Maxine Salabie, our councillor candidate for the Friendship Division, Western Westmoreland.”

Salabie’s died just months after she assumed the position, replacing Tyrone Guthrie, the previous PNP councillor caretaker who is facing charges related to the forcible abduction and rape of a 16-year-old.

More details soon.

-Kimberley Peddie