Former mayor of Kingston Marie Atkins died yesterday afternoon.

She died at her home in Cherry Gardens, St Andrew. She was 88 years old.

Atkins, who represented the Waterhouse division as a councillor for the People's National Party (PNP) for 30 years, was mayor of of Kingston between 1989 and 2003. During that time, she served as chairman of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation.

PNP saddened

President of the PNP, Portia Simpson Miller, expressed sympathy at the passing of the former mayor, yesterday, and extended condolences to her family and loved ones.

Former councillor and friend Marjorie Taylor said Atkins was a committed person. Taylor last served the Springfield Gardens division before leaving the council in 1989.

"She was a very committed lady and she was very committed to her job at the council, a very loyal supporter of the party," Taylor said.

Atkins was ailing for some time, relatives say, before her death. She is survived by two daughters, Eartha and June.