Jamaica’s legal fraternity is enveloped in profound grief following the passing of distinguished attorney Dorothy Pine-McLarty, whose death was confirmed on Sunday. With an illustrious career spanning over half a century, Pine-McLarty exemplified legal excellence and transformative public service until her retirement from the prestigious law firm Myers, Fletcher & Gordon.
Her professional journey included groundbreaking leadership roles, serving as head of the firm’s Property Department from 1992 to 1995 and subsequently as managing partner of its London office from its establishment in 1995 until 1998. Her legal expertise gained international recognition when she was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 1995.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness led the national tributes, recognizing Pine-McLarty’s extraordinary contributions to Jamaican democracy. ‘She dedicated her life to strengthening our democracy, upholding integrity, and serving the Jamaican people with courage and grace,’ Holness stated in an official social media tribute.
Pine-McLarty’s career was marked by numerous pioneering achievements. In 1973, she shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female partner at Myers, Fletcher & Gordon. Her most significant public service role came as chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), a position she held from 2013 until her retirement in 2019, having initially joined the commission in 2000.
Her tenure at the ECJ witnessed transformative electoral reforms, including the successful oversight of four parliamentary elections, four local government elections, and numerous by-elections. She spearheaded critical initiatives such as the residence reverification project, implementation of the Electronic Voter Identification System, and the establishment of political party registration and campaign financing regulations.
Beyond her electoral work, Pine-McLarty contributed significantly to Jamaica’s financial sector through her board membership at Jamaica National Building Society and subsequent appointments to the boards of The Jamaica National Group and JN Financial Group following the institution’s restructuring.
Born in 1940, her exceptional public service was formally recognized in October 2007 when she was vested into the Order of Jamaica, the country’s fourth-highest national honor. Prime Minister Holness extended deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all Jamaicans impacted by her remarkable legacy of service.