MIAMI – A viewing and memorial service will be held this Saturday, January 6 at 5 p.m. at the Van Orsdel Funeral Home, North Kendall in Miami, for former Jamaican Government Minister and parliamentarian, Hon. Neville B. Lewis who died at the age of 75 last Saturday December 30, after a prolonged illness in South Florida.
An official funeral service will follow next Saturday January 13 at 11 a.m. at the Lacovia Anglican Church in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.
Mr. Lewis, served twice as Minister of Social Security (1980-83) and Local Government (1983-89) under the leadership of Jamaica Labor Party. He rose to the position of Deputy Leader of the JLP in 1981 and served until 1993.
Since 1976, Mr. Lewis served as Member of Parliament in the constituency of North West St. Elizabeth through his retirement from active politics in 1993.
During his tenure in that region, Mr. Lewis was known for his ‘grassroots’ style of politics and was instrumental in the rebuilding of the New Market community “Lewisville” after major floods in 1979 destroyed that entire town.
Described as a patriot, with great passion for his country and his people, he brought a greater awareness to the plight of the disabled, ensuring that the poor and disabled were protected during his tenure as Minister with responsibility for Social Security.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lewis was honored for his service and involvement in communities at home and abroad including cities in the USA and England. As a social worker in Brixton, England, he was influential in helping West Indian immigrants assimilate to way of life as they assumed residency in that community.
Born in May 1931, in Lacovia, St. Elizabeth, Mr. Lewis was educated at Munro College and then at Lincoln’s Inn in London.
He is survived by his wife, Jasmine, two children Touissant and Nicole and two grandchildren.
