Building a Better Jamaica

January 23, 2009

The Jamaica Labour Party in a release today said it is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of long standing Party member, Businessman and Author, Mr. Ryan Peralto. Mr. Peralto was 75 years old.

Mr. Peralto passed away early this morning at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. He previously complained of chest pains and was subsequently taken to Hospital.

General Secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party, the Honourable Karl Samuda reminisced on the sterling accomplishments of this true Jamaican patriot. Samuda said Mr. Peralto served the Party and country in several distinguished capacities.

For the Jamaica Labour Party this includes:
• Member from 1977
• Member of the Central Executive 1980-2004
• Deputy General Secretary 1984
• General Secretary 1985-1994
• Deputy Chairman 1994-1998
• Chairman 1999-2003

Mr. Peralto also served in a myriad of Government positions. They are:
• Senator between 1980-1983 and 1991-2002
• KSAC Councillor 1981-1983
• Mayor of Kingston in 1981
• Member of Parliament from 1983 to 1989
• Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security in 1986
• Responsible for Trade and Industry from 1987 to 1989, and;
• Member of the Electoral Advisory Committee of Jamaica from 1990-2004

Mr. Peralto is also author of Insure Your Democracy, a book that takes an in-depth look at the country's electoral system. Mr. Peralto was also the lead visionary behind the introduction and development of electronic voting in Jamaica.

Mr. Samuda expressed condolences on behalf of the Party to the many grieving relatives and friends of Mr. Peralto. He leaves behind his wife, Lorna and eight children including sitting Government Member of Parliament, Mr. Tarn Peralto.