Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has expressed great sadness at the passing of former Mayor of Kingston & St. Andrew, and former Chairman of what was then the Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) Colleen Yap. Mrs. Yap died on Sunday April 16.

“While it is true that death is inevitable, the departure of Colleen Yap is a tremendous blow for the local government community, and for me personally. Mrs. Yap was a formidable woman, who was highly respected across the political and administrative spectrum for her knowledge and abilities. She was truly a trailblazer. She was the embodiment of our Motto “Out of Many One People”, as the first Mayor of Chinese descent. She was also the first female Mayor of the KSAC, having served from 1982 to 1984. This was no small achievement, when it is considered that she was preceded by 42 men, including our National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamante, who served as Mayor since royal assent was given for the city and parish of Kingston to be established as a Corporation in 1801.

“Mrs. Yap had a tremendous influence on me and was an important part of my development as a Councillor and as Mayor. She was always willing to share her advice and expertise, and I will be forever grateful for her support.

“On behalf of the local government fraternity, I wish to express condolences to the family of Colleen Yap. She made a vital contribution to the development of the local government system throughout her time as Councillor, Mayor and beyond. Our grief, though bitter, is tempered by the knowledge that she served her fellow Jamaicans with passion and distinction, and that she is now resting in peace.”