Residents of St. Catherine North East Pay Tribute to Late Former MP

The late former Member of Parliament (MP), Cabinet Minister and attorney-at-law, Leslie Campbell, is being remembered as a compassionate leader, whose commitment to education, community development and nation-building left an enduring impact on countless lives across Jamaica and the global Diaspora.

Mr. Campbell, who served as Member of Parliament for St. Catherine North East from 2016 to 2020, dedicated much of his public life to empowering communities and creating opportunities for those in need.

For many residents of his constituency, education was one of the hallmarks of his service.

Young educator and constituency resident, Sumika Small, recalls Mr. Campbell’s unwavering support for students at every level of the educational system.

“He was always a part of events that were being held in the community. Whether it was a fundraiser, a youth club activity, or a graduation ceremony, he was there supporting people,” she says.

Miss Small notes that Mr. Campbell regularly attended primary school graduations, where he provided awards for top-performing students and those who showed significant improvement.

He also established a tertiary education grant programme that assisted university and college students with tuition expenses.

“I was one of the recipients. It helped with tuition fees and eased the burden. I would tell him thanks for assisting all the young people with their educational journey because it meant a lot to everyone,” she shares.

Another grant recipient, Antonique Aris, also remembers the assistance she received during her first year of university.

“He helped me with a university grant at a time when I truly needed support, and for that I will always be grateful,” she tells JIS News.

What stood out most to Ms. Aris was Mr. Campbell’s inclusive approach to leadership.

“He didn’t see party colours. He saw people. Even though my family came from a different political background, we were never treated differently. To me, that is what real leadership and public service look like,” she says.

Beyond education, Mr. Campbell earned widespread admiration for his commitment to community development.

President of the Redwood Community Development Committee (CDC), Soren Robison, describes him as a jovial and approachable leader who became deeply invested in the wellbeing of residents.

One of the first initiatives he championed was ensuring that children in the Redwood area obtained birth certificates, opening access to vital Government services and programmes.

Through partnerships with Government agencies, hundreds of residents benefited from the effort.

Mr. Robison also credits Mr. Campbell with helping to refurbish the Redwood Community Centre and spearheading a transformative water project that brought reliable water access to the community after decades of hardship.

“Redwood had been without water for years. He was the man who spearheaded that programme. When funding challenges arose, he personally purchased pipes that became part of the project that eventually delivered water to the community,” Mr. Robison recalls.

He also highlights the impact of the North East St. Catherine Football and Netball Championships, an initiative that brought together young people from communities throughout the constituency.

“Everybody wanted to know when the next competition was going to start. It united communities and gave young people something positive to be involved in,” he says.

Mr. Robison adds that Mr. Campbell’s humility made him especially beloved.

“If you didn’t know he was the MP, you wouldn’t know. He was approachable and comfortable sitting with anyone. He attended community events, graduations, funerals and celebrations. He became like family to many of us,” he says.

Similar sentiments were shared by Bonnet resident, Maureen Simmons-Small, who describes him as “jovial, kind and loving.” She recalls his support for educational grants, book vouchers, community projects and water systems.

“He would always support community activities and youth programmes. Whenever assistance was needed, he would do what he could to help,” she says.

During his distinguished career, he also served as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Chairman of the Sports Development Foundation.

Outside Jamaica, Mr. Campbell’s influence extended across the global Diaspora community.

Former Vice Chairperson of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, Dr. Shauna Chin, remembers his leadership during one of the organisation’s most challenging periods.

“Through the uncertainty of COVID-19, the growing pains of a new council and differing views across the Diaspora community, he led with class, humility and respect for people,” she says.

“His legacy is not only in the decisions he made, but in how he made them. Jamaica has lost a true servant leader, and I have lost a great friend,” she tells JIS News.

Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, describes Mr. Campbell as measured, methodical and thoughtful. “He was balanced in his perspective, a good listener and someone with a great sense of humour. He had a bright future ahead of him and will be greatly missed,” Mr. Mair says.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan, recalls the warm reception he received during Jamaica’s 60th Independence celebrations in Georgia.

“He was very well-liked, had a giving spirit and wanted to help everyone. He will be remembered for his high moral leadership and integrity,” she says.

Former Senator and attorney-at-law, Dr. Keste O. Miller, reflects on a friendship spanning more than two decades, describing Mr. Campbell as a person of humanity, legal brilliance, mutual respect and cultural sensitivity.

“The political and legal fraternities have indeed lost a decent and brilliant politician and attorney-at-law,” Dr. Miller says.

The Government has accorded an Official Funeral to Mr. Campbell in recognition of his distinguished contribution to national development.

The service will be held on June 6.

He passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 67 following a period of illness.