Former Jamaican MP and Junior Minister Errol Ennis dies at 83

Errol Ennis, a former Member of Parliament for Portland Western and one-time junior minister in Jamaica’s Agriculture and Finance ministries, has died at the age of 83.

The People's National Party (PNP), of which Ennis was a longtime member, paid tribute on Thursday, describing him as “a dedicated public servant.”

“The PNP family is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant, former Member of Parliament for Portland Western, Cde. Errol Jiggs Ennis,” the party said in a statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones, friends, and colleagues. May his contributions to Jamaica's development be remembered for years to come, and may his soul rest in peace.”

Ennis served as MP for Portland Western from 1989 to 2007. During his parliamentary tenure, he held several ministerial roles, including junior minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and state minister in the Ministry of Finance.

West Portland MP Daryl Vaz, reflecting on their relationship, noted in a post on social media platform X: “Errol was more than just a political counterpart in West Portland, he was a friend and our strong friendship often confused many due to our opposing views on politics.”

Beyond politics, Ennis was known for his professional contributions as an economist and farmer. He was also a former vice-president of the Jamaica Development Bank, where his work helped advance economic development across the island.

The Union of Technical and Supervisory Personnel (UTASP) also honoured Ennis, highlighting his advocacy for rural and agricultural development. “A committed servant of the people, Errol Ennis also served as junior minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, where he championed issues critical to rural development and the farming community,” UTASP said.

Ennis was a past president of the Kingston College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA), remaining actively engaged with his alma mater and working to strengthen the KC community.

“Beyond his distinguished political career, Mr Ennis was a proud member of the Royal Air Force, exemplifying discipline from an early stage in his life,” UTASP noted.

The union added, “Errol Ennis will be remembered as a patriot and a man deeply committed to the progress of Jamaica and the upliftment of its people. The people of West Portland, the Kingston College family, and all those whose lives he touched join in mourning the loss of a true servant leader.”