Tributes have been pouring in over night in reaction to the death of former Government Minister and People’s National Party Vice President Dr Paul Robertson.

Posting on Twitter shortly after Our Today first reported on Robertson’s passing, PNP President Mark Golding wrote: “I’m greatly saddened by the news of the passing of Dr Paul Robertson, a former Gen Sec of the Party, Min of Gov, & patriotic Jamaican.”

Added Golding: “A man of great integrity, whose contribution to our Party & Jamaica’s democracy was immense. Glad we got the opportunity to talk Rest In Power.”

Robertson, who entered representational politics in 1993 when he beat Kingsley Sangster by a landslide in the St Catherine South East seat, was also a former senator who rose to the rank of vice president of the PNP in 2003, in addition to stints as deputy general secretary and, arguably most prominently, general secretary.

Dr Dayton Campbell, the current PNP general secretary, posted on Twitter: “An outstanding comrade has transitioned. Eternal rest grant to him O’ Lord. Rest in Power Dr Paul Robertson.”

As a member of the PNP Cabinet of the 1990s and early 2000s, Robertson served as minister of industry and investment, minister of foreign affairs, and minister of development.

He left representational politics shortly before the 2007 general election, for which he was named campaign director, working alongside Maxine Henry Wilson.

The PNP, in an official announcement, confirmed that Robertson died Saturday evening at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital, following a brief illness.

“Dr Paul Robertson has served his country in various capacities, including as: member of parliament for South East St Catherine (1993-2007), as a minister of government  with responsibility for several ministries, senator, and as vice president and general secretary for the People’s National Party,” the PNP said.

“We express sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Dr Paul Robertson. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

Daryl Vaz, Jamaica Labour Party member of parliament for West Portland and minister of science, energy and technology, said: “Very shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague Paul Robertson. He was a gentleman always. Condolences to Karlene and the entire family. RIP Pablo.”