More tributes are pouring in for Ruth Lawrence, Parish Court Judge for Trelawny, following her untimely passing.

The Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship (LCF) has joined members of the judiciary and wider legal fraternity in mourning her death, while also expressing concern about the increasing reports of alleged suicides across the nation.

In a statement, the Fellowship extended heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Judge Lawrence and attorney Denley Sadoo of the Cornwall Bar, both of whom, it said, served the country with distinction.

“Both served our nation well and will be remembered for their character and legal proficiency,” the statement read. The LCF also acknowledged that several others in the legal profession have recently passed away, noting that their prayers remain with the bereaved families.

The organisation described Judge Lawrence as “an asset to the judiciary,” who served “with remarkable probity, fairness and grace”.

In honouring her life and legacy, the LCF aligned itself with the Jamaican Bar Association’s call for all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the Data Protection Act, emphasising the importance of upholding privacy and dignity rights which extend beyond death.

“We hope that as a nation, we will hold firm in our observance of these rights and refrain from disseminating intimate and distressing information purely to satisfy public curiosity,” the LCF urged. “Where investigations into the circumstances of death are ongoing, information should be handled responsibly to aid the process while promoting dignity and privacy for those who are grieving.”

The Fellowship also used the opportunity to highlight its concern over the rise in alleged suicide cases across Jamaica, describing the trend as a matter of national urgency.

“We strongly believe that with the right interventions, suicides are preventable,” the statement continued. “Mental health challenges have become more prevalent in our nation, and we all have a role to play in combating their devastating effects.”

The LCF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting solutions through prayer and practical intervention, noting that suicide has “robbed families and weakened the moral fabric of our nation.”

“As we forge ahead, may we all endeavour to be kindly affectionate towards each other and demonstrate the sincerity and brotherly love that God has commended, as we strive to protect our most valuable resource, our people,” the statement concluded.