Former JLP MP and Minister J.A.G. Smith is Dead

Mr. J.A.G. Smith, former Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament who served as Minister of Labour and the Public Service in the 1980s died last night (December 23) at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
The Prime Minister, the Honourable Bruce Golding, in expressing regret at the passing of Mr. Smith, who was popularly known as “JAGS”, said he had been an effective MP and that he had remained a member of the JLP, giving quiet support to the party even after he retired from politics.
He served as MP for Northern Clarendon and was appointed Minister when the JLP won the 1980 general elections. He had been one of the 13 JLP contenders who won their seats in the 1976 general elections held during the state of emergency.
Named after his father, James Alexander George Smith, famous legislator and barrister, Mr. Smith also served as leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives and had responsibility for electoral matters.
Mr. Smith, who had a heart condition, suffered a stroke two weeks ago but was released from hospital over the week-end. He had a relapse and was re-admitted and died last night. He was in his eighties.
The Government has expressed its condolences to his son Jimmy and daughter Jean as well as to his grand children and great grand children. His wife, Daphne, predeceased him in April this year.