Jamaica loses World War II veteran

World War II veteran Dorothy Peart has died.

At the time of her passing on November 30, the 101-year-old Peart was the second longest-living World War II female veteran. Born in London, England, Peart was the wife of Ernest Peart, and the mother of Dean Peart and Michael Peart, all former members of parliament.

She served in the Royal Air Force from 1941-1946 under Britain's Women's Auxiliary Air Force where she was stationed underground at the RAF Headquarters in Stanmore, London. After the war, Peart came to Jamaica in 1949 with her husband and eldest child, Michael, where they settled in Manchester.

"The Peart family has made outstanding contributions to the development of Jamaica through service in various public offices," People's National Party general secretary Dr Dayton Campbell said.

According to Campbell, although she was not a politician, she was involved in the development of the parish of Manchester.