Senators Hail Late Dorothy Pine Mclarty

The late Dorothy Pine McLarty has been hailed as a trailblazer who contributed significantly to the advancement of the country’s electoral system and the legal fraternity.

Members of the Senate paid tribute to the late former Chair of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica who passed recently, during its sitting on Friday (December 5) and extended condolences to widower Herman, children Rachel and Matthew, and the entire Pine McLarty family.

President of the Senate, Hon. Tom Tavares Finson hailed her as one of the most accomplished chairpersons of the Commission.

He noted that she demonstrated exceptional ability to work effectively with people of diverse personalities in the political process.

“She recognised that a quiet word would turneth away wrath but a stern admonition was necessary at times, and she was not afraid to apply that. She also recognised that a gentle touch often was what was required, but never failed to use the fist if it was required,” the President said.

“And that is how she managed to corral those turbulent personalities over these many years,” he said, and cited Abe Dabdoub, Ryan Peralto, Danny Buchanan, D.K. Duncan, Paul Burke, Dr. Andre Franklin, and himself as some of the individuals with whom she worked.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, described her as a distinguished attorney who broke barriers throughout her career.

He said Mrs. Pine McLarty shattered the glass ceiling at Myers, Fletcher and Gordon, becoming the firm’s first female partner.

Senator Hill said she went on to make history once more as the first woman to serve as Chair of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), a position she held with distinction from 2013 to 2019.

“During her tenure, she oversaw significant advancements in Jamaica’s electoral system, strengthening our democracy and deepening public trust in the system,” he said.

Her commitment to national service extended beyond the ECJ as she contributed her expertise to numerous Boards over several decades.

In recognition of her outstanding service to Jamaica, Mrs. Pine McLarty was awarded the Order of Jamaica in 2007 and received the Gleaner Honour Award for Public Service in 2016.

In her tribute, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon said Mrs. Pine McLarty, whom she met 18 years ago, served her country with grace, courage and unwavering integrity.

“Her life was defined by trailblazing achievements, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and the people of this country. Her brilliance and integrity earned her respect and admiration across the legal profession, both here and abroad. Over the decades, she built her reputation as one of Jamaica’s leading property attorneys. She was thoughtful, diligent, and always principled,” she noted.

The Minister said beyond the courtroom and the ballot box, Mrs. Pine McLarty contributed significantly to civic and community life.

She served on the Boards of the Jamaica National Group and its prior incarnation, the Jamaica National Building Society. She also was a part of the Access to Information Appeal Tribunal. She supported many educational institutions, such as the St. Andrew High School for Girls and the University of Technology.

Senator Morris Dixon said that they were both a part of the Jamaica Chapter of the International Women’s Forum.

“She taught me that as you’re going through this world, family is important, you need to spend time with your family. She taught me what real sisterhood looks like, it’s really about supporting each other, being there for each other, whispering a good word, calling when you need to,” she said, noting that her passing is a great loss.

Opposition Senator, Ramon Small Ferguson, described her as a trailblazing attorney, a respected Director, and a public servant who gave to her country with diligence and grace.

“Jamaica is undoubtedly better for her contribution, and so many of us who have had the privilege to interact with her have certainly learned from the examples that she’s left,” he said.