Member of Parliament for East Portland, Ann-Marie Vaz, is saddened by the passing of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor for the Fairy Hill division, Derron Wood, who died on Thursday (March 18) due to complications related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Mrs Vaz, in a statement this afternoon, hailed Wood as a dear friend and a servant of the people.

“Councillor Wood was deeply committed to the people of the constituency, in particular the Fairy Hill Division, which he served well,” she began.

“Having known Councillor Wood for such a long time and assisted in making arrangements to get medical care for him yesterday, I am really hurt that he did not make it. His contribution to the constituency was significant and he will never be forgotten,” Vaz continued.

Wood, 62, died earlier on Thursday while undergoing treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in Kingston. He had reportedly tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“#DerDer we are in shock & heartbroken! I can’t believe this Lord! Give me the strength! Over 20yrs of friendship! May your soul rest in peace my beloved #DerronWood #SIP. The entire #EastPortland fam is shocked & mourning your passing. May God keep your family in His arms,” the East Portland MP tweeted.

It is the second major hit being felt by the East Portland political landscape after fellow JLP councillor Irvin Brown, who represented the Fellowship Division, died in October 2020. He also tested positive for COVID-19 and succumbed to coronavirus-related complications.