MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Political leaders here say former Cabinet minister and People’s National Party (PNP) stalwart Dean Peart, who died on Sunday at age 77, was fundamental to the development of Manchester North Western in every way.

PNP Region Five Chairman Hopeton McCatty, and current Member of Parliament for Manchester North Western Mikael Phillips hailed Peart for his passionate commitment to community life, underlined by the building of community centres throughout the constituency.

McCatty also emphasised that Peart, affectionately called Deanie, was instrumental in rebuilding the PNP in Manchester alongside his brother Michael Peart following sweeping, demoralising defeat for the party in 1980 by the Edward Seaga-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).