A Jamaica Labour Party councillor is among two people killed and three injured following a motor vehicle crash along the Old Harbour main road, in Spanish Town St. Catherine this morning (Mar 4).
Dead are JLP Minority Leader in the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation and Councillor for the Homestead Division Owen Palmer and 50-year-old Gideon ” Jimmy” Thompson of Homestead District, Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
The incident reportedly occurred about 7 o’clock this morning.
It is reported that Mr. Palmer was driving from Old Harbour, when on nearing Willowdene, he lost control of the vehicle, which mounted an embankment and overturned.
Acting Head of the Traffic police, Superintendent Courtney Coubrie says Councillor Palmer and 2 other persons were thrown from the vehicle.
He says first responders were quick on the scene.
Superintendent Coubrie is advising motorists against travelling at odd hours, especially if they are likely to fall asleep while travelling.
In the meantime, tributes continue to pour in for the late JLP Councillor Owen Palmer.
He was killed in a motor vehicle crash in St. Catherine this morning.
Prime Minister and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party Andrew Holness tweeted his condolences to Mr. Palmer’s relatives and colleagues, adding that the party will miss Palmer’s friendship, loyalty and sincere service to the people of St. Catherine.
In a statement, the JLP says Palmer succeeded Member of Parliament Dr. Andrew Wheatley as the Mayor of Spanish Town in 2012, when the Wheatley was elected to the House of Representatives.
He sat as the Minority Leader in the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation representing the people of the Homestead division at the time of his passing.
Dr. Wheatley describes Palmer as a diligent man and a fierce politician.
And, Local Government Minster Desmond McKenzie says Palmer was a good and loyal servant of local government, a strong contributor to its development.
Mr. McKenzie says all in the local government system from both political parties are mourning, as Councillor Palmer was highly respected and enjoyed great affection.
The minister says at an appropriate time, the local government sector will suitably honour Palmer’s work and legacy.
Condolences have also come from Education Minister Ruel Reid, as palmer was a former teacher of the St. Catherine High School, where he taught technical drawing and related subjects for several years.
Family friend and fellow JLP member Olivia Grange described Palmer as a genuine human being who will be greatly missed.
Among other entities paying tribute to Councillor Palmer are the Universal Service Fund, and the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), where he served at each, as a member of the Board of Directors.