PRIME Minister Andrew Holness has joined Jamaica Union Conference in mourning the loss of Princess Lawes, a former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament who passed on Saturday morning after ailing for some time. She was 79.

Lawes made history in the 1980 General Election when she defeated People’s National Party (PNP) candidate Arnold Betram to claim victory in St Ann North Western, making it the first time the JLP won the constituency.

Holness, in a post on social media, said that Lawes was a :trailblazer in Jamaican public life“ who left a legacy of compassion, integrity and commitment.

”It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolence to the family, friends, and colleagues of Princess Lawes. Her passing marks the end of an era, not only for the Jamaica Union Conference but for our nation as a whole,” he said.

“Princess Lawes’ impact will be felt for generations to come, inspiring us all to strive for a better, more inclusive Jamaica. We will forever cherish her memory and continue to be guided by her example,” added Holness.

During her time in Government she was in charge of women’s affairs and children’s services, making contributions Holness said were “invaluable”.

In the meantime, Jamaica Union Conference in a statement, noted that Lawes, before serving in the Adventist church, was a junior minister in the Government of Jamaica and a member of the Senate between 1976 and 1989.

Additionally, Lawes was president of the Inter-American Commission of Women, Organization of American States.

After she exited the political arena she spent more than 20 years working full-time for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

At Jamaica Union Conference she served as a public affairs and religious liberty director. She also served as the personal assistant to two former union presidents.