JOSIAH ADOLPHUS George (J.A.G.) Myers was lauded yesterday as a veteran trade unionist who served the local government system for more than 42 years.
He was also described by the People's National Party (PNP) as a "fearless advocate of issues concerning Local Government."
Mr. Myers, 73, died at his home in Black River, St. Elizabeth yesterday morning after a long battle with kidney disease. He was also diabetic.
A release from the PNP described the Local Government icon as "a tower of strength to the PNP organisation in the parish of St. Elizabeth, and always fearlessly advocated the issues of concern to the people."
The party said Mr. Myers really believed "in the potential of the Local Government system."
MAYOR OF BLACK RIVER
A member of the ruling People's National Party (PNP) until his death, Mr. Myers served the parish as Mayor of Black River for three terms, spanning a total of 12 years.
He also served as councillor for the Brompton Division from 1960 to 1969, 1969 to 1981 and then 1986 to 1989. And, he was an unrelenting thorn in Government's side - even after his retirement - demanding due respect for councillors.
After leaving representational politics in 1989 he formed the Jamaica United Local Government Representative Association (JULGRA), a union which represents both past and present local government representatives.
Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Government, in her tribute, said 'JAG Myers' as he was affectionately called, epitomised the term 'born to serve'.
