The People's National Party is expressing regret at the passing of Dr. Phyllis McPherson-Russell. The Party expresses its condolences to her family and close friends.

Party President, Portia Simpson Miller said, "Dr. McPherson-Russell was a pioneer in advancing the causes and promoting the development of women. She took a deep interest in human resource development and was pivotal in the democratization of the education system and the promotion of students' interests and activities during her tenure as Minister of Education".

She was a convenor for the PNP's Women's Movement which started in 1974 and served the Movement in many capacities.

She was appointed to the Senate and served as Minister of Education from 1978-1980.

An educator by profession, Dr. McPherson-Russell enjoyed a long and distinguished career at the University of the West Indies, where she served from 1975 to 2007.

Dr. McPherson-Russell was the recipient of the National Honour of the Order of Jamaica in 2002 for her outstanding contribution to the field of education.

She was also honoured by UNICEF for her pioneering and long standing commitment to the field of health and family education.

April 21, 2008

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Julian J. Robinson
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