3 days ago
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Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hailed former Senator and attorney-at-law Christopher Bovell as a man of “unquestioned integrity” whose life was marked by service and a deep commitment to Jamaica.
Bovell, who was 87, died on January 14, 2026. His life and legacy were celebrated during a thanksgiving service at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church in Kingston on February 10.
In his tribute, Holness praised the former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) treasurer for his contributions to both the public and private sectors, noting that his composure and professionalism defined his career and personal life.
“In times of challenge and uncertainty, it is useful to have even characters… people who will maintain focus, people who will be objective, and people who will speak truth to authority quietly,” the prime minister said.
Holness also reflected on Bovell’s distinguished career in corporate law, describing him as one of Jamaica’s top corporate attorneys and highlighting his service as a board member of GraceKennedy. He noted that after becoming prime minister, he benefited from Bovell’s guidance, receiving handwritten notes and later WhatsApp messages offering advice.
“I appreciated that because, in many ways, he was fulfilling his duty as a Jamaican. I’m certain that he wanted to see his Government succeed… and so I found that his private interventions were quite useful and very much appreciated,” Holness said.
Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz, who served alongside Bovell as deputy treasurer of the JLP, described him as a patriot whose leadership was grounded in integrity, discipline and loyalty.
“His leadership was not loud or boastful… . It was grounded in integrity, discipline, and a deep loyalty to the mission we shared for our beloved party,” Vaz said.
He added that Bovell was a gentleman whose approach was always measured and diplomatic and who valued people at every level of an organisation.
“One of his greatest gifts was the way he valued people. He never hesitated to thank those around him, no matter how small their contribution might have seemed. He understood that organisations are built not only on money and plans but on people, each one deserving of respect,” Vaz said, crediting Bovell’s mentorship for shaping him as a public servant.
Bovell served as a government senator from 1983 to 1989 and was awarded the Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD), in 1994 for his service.
He was also a long-standing member of the Jamaican Bar Association, a notary public, a member of the General Legal Council and served on several government boards.
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