KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National Group and the wider Jamaican community are mourning the passing of distinguished attorney-at-law and corporate director Dorothy Pine-McLarty, who died on Sunday. Remembered affectionately as “Mikki,” she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of professional excellence and nation-building spanning more than five decades.
Elizabeth Ann Jones, Chairman of The Jamaica National Group, memorialized Pine-McLarty as “a quiet force and leader of high standards” whose contributions were fundamental to the organization’s strength. Her association with JN began in September 1998 when she was first appointed to the board of directors of the Jamaica National Building Society.
Following the institution’s corporate conversion in 2017, Pine-McLarty extended her governance expertise across multiple JN Group entities, including JN Financial Group Limited and JN Money Services Limited. She additionally chaired the board of trustees for the JN Individual Retirement Scheme, demonstrating versatile leadership across financial services.
Earl Jarrett, CEO and Deputy Chairman of JN Group, recalled working closely with Pine-McLarty in various capacities, noting her meticulous attention to accuracy and immense contributions to JN’s development. “She was a stickler for accuracy, and we were the beneficiaries of this through her immeasurable contribution to the growth and development of Jamaica National,” Jarrett stated.
Beyond her corporate impact, Pine-McLarty was celebrated for her passionate advocacy and community development work. A devout Methodist and active alumna of St Andrew High School for Girls, she served as chancellor’s nominee to the University of Technology council and championed initiatives advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.
Her pioneering spirit was evident throughout her career. In 2007, she became the first woman appointed commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, later ascending to become its first female chair in 2013. As managing partner of Myers Fletcher & Gordon’s London office, she fostered stronger connections between the United Kingdom and Jamaica, enhancing diaspora relations.
Pine-McLarty’s exceptional service received national recognition in 2007 when she was inducted into the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth-highest honor. In 2019, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Business Administration.
Chairman Jones concluded, “Her years of service to the people of Jamaica and those within her immediate reach, and of course her service to the building of The Jamaica National Group, are efforts that have laid foundations for success and the growth of many. She is dearly missed, but her legacy lives on.”