SHOCKING! Green’s colleagues, constituents trying to make sense of his sudden death
AS RECENT as Saturday, Dr Winston Green sent WhatsApp messages to parliamentarians, showing highlights of a health fair he had hosted in his St Mary South East constituency, according to general secretary of the People’s National Party (PNP), Julian Robinson. This is why, Robinson said, it has been made even harder for his family, close friends and colleagues to wrap their minds around his sudden passing yesterday. Green died
early Monday morning at Andrews Memorial Hospital after collapsing at home.
In an interview with The Gleaner, Robinson said that although the 58-year-old dental surgeon had fainting spells some time last year, he showed no signs of ill health.
“It’s a shock for everybody. Nobody anticipated this happening. Members are still trying to process what’s taking place. We are rallying around his family, close friends and constituents. We will be meeting with the leadership of the constituency tomorrow (Tuesday),” Robinson told The Gleaner.
“I was in touch with him, maybe the last time we sat in Parliament, which would be around two weeks ago. We have a WhatsApp group as members of parliament and he regularly posted stuff he was doing in his constituency. So even if you weren’t close to him, you would have been aware of the things he was doing. He really gave his all to the constituents and was fully and totally devoted to them,” Robinson continued.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness also conveyed his condolences to Green’s family and colleagues, noting that Green was a competent member of parliament.
“Dr Green had a quiet disposition. He has given national service which must be commended. Dr Green was one of those parliamentarians who served his constituency well. I applaud Dr Green’s contribution to governance through politics,” Holness said.
PNP President Dr Peter Phillips said earlier yesterday that the death was untimely.
“Dr Green committed his life professionally and politically to serving the Jamaican people. He was a dedicated servant of the people and a man faithful to his commitment to his family, his profession, his constituents and his party,” Phillips said.
“Jamaica has lost a great son. Our heartfelt condolences to his children, Ashley and Wade, his family, friends and colleagues. He will be truly missed,” he said.