An award-winning employee of the Ministry of Labour and Immigration has died while on holiday in Jamaica.

Donna Hollis, believed to be in her 50s, reportedly passed away after an aneurysm — an abnormal bulging of a blood vessel.

Members of her family have flown to Jamaica after hearing the news of her death.

Ms Hollis, who has been described as a vivacious character with a keen sense of humour, was named the Department of Immigration’s Inspector of the Year in 2005.

Labour and Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess and Permanent Secretary Robert Horton led the tributes to Ms Hollis last night. They referred to Ms Hollis as “irreplaceable” and an “exemplary employee”.

“The Department of Immigration is deeply saddened upon the sudden passing of Ms Donna Hollis, a valued friend and colleague,” said Mr. Horton.

“She was an exemplary employee in all respects, competent and caring, committed and professional. Derrick Burgess MP, Minister of Labour and Immigration, joins us in extending heartfelt condolences to Ms Hollis’ sons and daughter, mother, other family members and friends.

“Ms Hollis is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed.”

Describing Ms Hollis as a model employee, Mr. Horton added: “She demonstrated admirable esprit de corps and always spoke proudly and fondly of her work with the Department of Immigration.

“It was no surprise, therefore, when in 2005 she won the Immigration Team Award and was named Inspector of the Year.

Ms Hollis began her Government service as a librarian assistant at the Bermuda Library in 1972.

She joined the Department of Immigration ten years later as a Primary Immigration Officer assigned to Bermuda International Airport. In January 2002, she was promoted to the post of Senior Immigration Officer.