Fully committed to Jamaica’s development

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write to express my sincere condolences on the death of the Hon Oliver Clarke.

He was my friend of many years standing; but much more than that, he was fully committed to Jamaica’s development and, in pursuance of this, was himself active in several spheres, including the private sector of which he was a major player; public sector governance, especially in the areas of reducing corruption and reforms to increase efficiency; education; a free and independent press; and, from time to time, using The Gleaner boardroom as a meeting place even among persons of disparate views to discuss issues of national concerns.

His sometimes impish, and at times brusque manner was not always everyone’s ‘cup of tea’; but these minor foibles were greatly compensated by his national commitment, mentioned earlier, a capacity for growth, reflected, for example, in a greater understanding and support for policies which enhanced social and economic equity albeit, ever the accountant, with due attention to fiscal prudence; not much publicised, generosity to persons and institutions in need of help; and last, but not least, from my own observations at any rate, a lack of vindictiveness with persons with whom he may have had serious disagreements.

His widow, Monica, his daughter, Alexandra, and the wider community of persons with whom he interacted can take some comfort in the usefulness of his life.

CARLTON DAVIS