Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and other government ministers have expressed sadness over the passing of Jocelyn Pamela Bodden, who served as the Welfare Officer of the People’s National Movement for the past 20 years.

Offering his condolences, Dr. Rowley said that the PNM family was deeply saddened by the loss.

“Sharon and I and the PNM family are deeply saddened by her passing but more so because we were not able to comfort her during her period of distress,” Dr. Rowley shared in a tribute posted to his Facebook page.

“Please accept our family’s condolences and know that we shared her love with gratitude and are poorer now for her passing. We thank you all for sharing her with us and thank God for lending her to us all. Now that she has gone to his arms, may she rest in perfect peace,” he added. 

Party Chairman, Colm Imbert, also shared his tribute online. 

 “Joycelyn put service to the poor and needy and our Party above almost everything else. She was selfless, committed and devoted,” Imbert recalled. 

 An official statement from Balisier House recounted: “Joycelyn Bodden was passion and compassion personified. She officially joined the People’s National Movement on 1 st February 1990, and diligently and faithfully served her party and the constituency of Port of Spain North/ St. Ann’s West for the ensuing 31 years. For more than 20 years, Joycelyn served as the Party’s Welfare Officer. Every year, she executed several annual signature events, including the Children’s Christmas Treat and the Senior Citizens Luncheon and Dance. She ensured that thousands of hampers, and bags of love and goodwill were distributed across the length and breadth of the country.”

“She provided leadership to all of the constituency Welfare Officers and offered counsel, advice, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on to anyone seeking. Mrs. Bodden also served as the Chairman of the Party’s Entertainment Committee. Her flair and finesse were hallmarks of her excellence in hospitality and hosting events. She was thorough, precise, and a stickler for excellence,” it added.