The People’s National Party has expressed its condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, students and loved ones of renowned scientist, Professor Gerald Cecil Lalor, who died on Sunday evening at age 90.

Noting that Jamaica has lost a national treasure, the PNP said that as one of the foremost scientists of the Caribbean region, Lalor’s work will be immortal.

The party noted that, in the foreword to his biography former Prime Minister PJ Patterson wrote: “His selfless career spanned industry, the private and public sectors and academia. He sowed many seeds, which germinated and took root, contributing enormously to saving countless lives and developing a cadre of devoted researchers. This vast increase of scientific knowledge succeeded in advancing the frontiers of science over six decades of distinguished work.”

Additionally, Lalor is also remembered as a role model and mentor. He never failed to extend his support to students or colleagues in pursuit of scientific or other meaningful endeavours.

Lalor was conferred with the Order of Jamaica, the Musgrave Gold Medal, the Phillip Sherlock Award for Excellence, the Normal Manley Award for Excellence, the Centenary Medal of the Institute of Jamaica and The Gleaner Annual Award, all for his contributions to the scientific community of Jamaica. These are a few of the 18+ awards listed in his biography.

Lalor married Noelle Cameron at the young age of 18 years old. She passed away some years before him, near the time of their 70th anniversary.

“The People’s National Party extends our heartfelt and sincere condolences to Richard, Donna, Robert and Mark on the passing of their father, and extend our condolences to the scientific fraternity and all those who had the privilege of knowing [him],” the PNP said.