Former St Mary Western MP Hyacinth Knight dies at 86
Key Points(5)
- The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is mourning the passing of former Member of Parliament for St Mary Western, Hyacinth Knight.
- Knight died at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in St Andrew on Wednesday after battling an illness.
- She was 86 years old.
- Use AI but don’t let it think for you News Use AI but don’t let it think for you September 10, 2026 Jamaica Labour Party Chairman and Member of Parliament for St Mary Western, Robert Montague, is expressing the party’s deepest condolences to her family.
- Montague said the Jamaica Labour Party is grateful to Knight for her immense contribution.
Former Member of Parliament for St Mary Western Hyacinth Knight has died at the age of 86, prompting tributes from Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for her decades of service to the parish and country.
Knight died at Andrews Memorial Hospital in St Andrew on Wednesday, September 9, following an illness.
A longtime educator, community leader and politician, Knight represented St Mary Western in Parliament for the JLP from 1983 to 1989. Her public service also included stints as a councillor and mayor, while her career outside elected office included work as a teacher, JAMAL administrator, farmer and developer.
Holness said he was deeply saddened by Knight's death, describing her as a committed public servant who dedicated many years to serving the people of western St Mary and Jamaica.
“She was an educator, a community builder and a committed public servant who believed in giving back to the people around her,” the prime minister said.
Holness recalled spending time with Knight while celebrating her 80th birthday, describing her as a warm and respected woman who carried herself with dignity and had a genuine love for her community.
“Her contribution to St. Mary extended beyond politics. She was recognised for her service to education and community development, and her life reflected a commitment to helping others,” he added.
JLP Chairman and current St Mary Western MP Robert Montague also paid tribute to Knight, saying the party was grateful for her contribution and extending condolences to her family.
“Knight was a mother, mentor and good friend. She was a teacher, JAMAL administrator, farmer, developer, councillor, mayor and Member of Parliament. She served the people of St Mary for years and with great distinction,” Montague said.
He described Knight as a “quiet and determined person” whose soft smile could light up a room.
“She gave birth to four children but mothered many and was aunt to many more. Her contribution will and can never be forgotten,” he said.
Knight entered Parliament following the 1983 general election, winning the St Mary Western constituency for the JLP. She later unsuccessfully contested elections for the party in 1997 and 2002.
Her contributions to education and community development were formally recognized in October 2010 in Port Maria, where she was honored for her work in those areas.
Montague said Knight's contribution to both the JLP and Jamaica deserved the highest commendation, crediting her work with improving the lives of thousands of people.
“Hyacinth Knight gave her heart and soul to uplifting the Jamaica Labour Party and her beloved country, Jamaica,” he said. “Her words of advice and active support positively changed the lives of many.”
Holness extended condolences to Knight's family, friends, former colleagues and the people of St Mary.
“May God give her loved ones strength and comfort as they mourn her passing. May her soul rest in peace,” the prime minister said.
