“A pioneer.”
That’s how former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has described the late Violet Neilson.
Mr. Patterson praised the former Speaker of the House of Representatives’ career while delivering the remembrance at her official funeral service at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on Monday.
Mrs. Neilson died on June 11 at the age of 92.
Mahiri Stewart reports.
Violet Neilson’s career in politics was preceded by her time in the civil and public services.
Throughout her life in public service, Mrs. Neilson held several key positions.
From 1989 to 1990, she served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Development, Planning and Production.
This was followed by stints in the Ministries of Education and Health.
Neilson became the Member of Parliament for St. James East Central, in 1989 on the PNP ticket.
She held the seat until 2002, when she was beaten by the JLP’s Ed Bartlett.
Former Prime Minister Patterson reflected on Mrs. Neilson’s journey and performance as MP.
Mrs Neilson was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1993.
But she made history in 1997 when she became the first woman ever to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Mr. Patterson says Mrs. Neilson was an efficient Speaker who ensured order was held in the House of Representatives.
The late Violet Neilson was also an educator and the first female President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, advocating for the agricultural sector and rural communities.
Former Prime Minister Patterson says she served as a role model for Jamaican women.
He reflected on the love the former Speaker had for her family.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Neilson’s daughter, Jacqueline Brodber, describes her mother as ‘larger than life’.
Jacqueline Brodber, daughter of Violet Neilson.
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