Shahine Robinson
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A report from Radio Jamaica's Prince Moore
Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann Shahine Robinson is dead.
Mrs Robinson, who was 65, died a short while ago at her home in St. Ann. She had been battling cancer for some time.
The government is to issue a statement shortly.
Mrs Robinson, who previously worked in the banking and tourism sectors, entered the political arena in February 2001 as the Jamaica Labour Party's candidate for the by-election in North East St. Ann, after the People's National Party's Danny Melville resigned as MP.
She won the traditional PNP seat in an upset, defeating that party's candidate, Carol Jackson.
Mrs Robinson went on to win the seat comfortably for the next four general elections.
In 2010, questions about her dual citizenship, which she had obtained in 2006, brought on another by-election in the constituency. She eventually won the by-election after renouncing her US citizenship.
Mrs Robinson was appointed Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Local Government in 2007. She was then moved to the Ministry of Transport and Works as State Minister in 2011. In March 2016, she was appointed Minister of Labour and Social Security.
Senate
Before news of her death, members of the Senate on Friday morning had expressed hope for the speedy recovery of Minister Robinson.
Leader of Opposition Business Donna Scott Mottley was the first to rise, noting that the "entire Senate is praying for her" and was hoping that "her pain will be eased."
Leader of Government Business Kamina Johnson Smith, who followed, said Minister Robinson was "at the forefront of our minds and at the depths of our hearts" as she echoed similar wishes for her recovery.
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