Ministers of Government

The Hon. Olivia Grange CD, MP. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport

The death of the Hon. Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas has no doubt shocked most of us. It is only natural that as we live our lives and mature into our senior years, we find that we have become so used to living that death, despite its inevitability, still comes as a great surprise to us. So, even while I was fully aware that my friend, Easton Douglas, was gravely ill, I did not accept the inevitability of his passing until I heard the news of his death.

I have always admired him for his exemplary behaviour – his inclination to ignore the partisan nature of our political relationship and his patriotism, which he always wore like a medal on his chest. He was willing to give advice to those who needed it, myself included, and was a good mentor to godson, Khaleel.

I was not surprised that he was strong enough to battle his illness for so long, nor was I surprised that in the end he would have succumbed without rancour, acknowledging that it is a road that we all have to travel, whatever our politics, our nationality, our race, our gender, or our religion, as it is an end that none of us can avoid.

They say that cowards die many times before their deaths, but the valiant never taste of death but once.in these last few years it was obvious to me that he was fighting a courageous battle against cancer and that he knew that was the best he could have done.in the end, we will always remember his valour, because so he lived, so he died.

It was along and difficult journey for him, from childhood in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, to his death in his St. Andrew homein August, after this long battle with illness.the child of a police officer anda dedicated mother and housewife, I was happy to learn that his schooling also included attending both Denham Town Elementary and Kingston Technical High, schools with which I have had very close relationships during my political career.

After becoming a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Chartered Valuation Surveyor, he utilized his knowledge of the value of land, urbanization and the environment to serve in the civil service and later, his country as a politician, parliamentarian and Cabinet minister. indeed, it is not well known that Easton, along with stalwarts such as Gloria Knight and Coreen Mcclarty was in the batch of bright young professionals selected for special training to become Permanent Secretaries and leaders in the public sector of post Independent Jamaica.

He will be remembered as a three-term Member of Parliament for South East St. Andrew, a constituency which has never changed hands since his representation; a parliamentarian with the highest levels of intellect and discipline; and a Cabinet minister who was passionate in his efforts to improve the lives and conditions of the most vulnerable.

I must congratulate his daughter, Councillor Kari Douglas, whom I believe has retained much of his best qualities. My condolences go out to her, as well as the rest of his family, relatives and friends. I share their sorrow and grief at his loss. However, I encourage them not to languish in grief, but to wallow in his legacy, which is what all jamaicans expect of their parliamentarians, and the world expects of its citizens.

I am sure that wherever he is, he is repeating these words: “When I come to the end of the road/ And the sun has set for me/ I want no rites in a gloom filled room/ Why cry for a soul set free”.

The Hon. Lester Mike Henry, CD, MP, Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister

We sat on opposite sides of the aisle of Gordon House. That aisle defines the separation between Government and the Opposition. Yet despite political differences, Easton and I were never divided. He was that Special Member of the House of Representatives, whose life and contribution to nation building were separably inseparable. Many were the heated debates across the aisle and Easton’s interventions were timely, robust and respectful. In his own inimitable style, he would defend his position with dignity, humility, a spirit of cordiality and above all respect and appreciation for his colleagues and the people whom he represented. Simply put, he was on many occasions the ‘Bridge over Trouble Waters’, as heated debates oftentimes raged with hurricane intensity. I am glad for the opportunity to have served with Easton.

Many were the enviable encomiums that were accorded to Easton. His was an admirable disposition; his was an indefatigable service to his fellowmen and country; his was an unquenchable passion for youth; his was a penchant for supporting worthy causes.

So, as we celebrate the life and legacy of this bespectacled son of the soil, let me put on record my own deep appreciation for the opportunity to have served with him and my abiding love for a true Jamaican.

As the flatterer of happy minds now dictates the longevity of his rest from earthly labours, may the roads to Heaven rise up to meet him, may the winds of comfort be always at his back and until we meet again in God’s Parliament, where we will sit as one and work together on the same team, may God hold him in the palms of his hands. Walk good my friend and as Miss Lou would say may ‘good duppy follow back a yuh’

Dr. The Hon. Horace Chang, MP Minister of National Security

Today we are joined by a common purpose, to celebrate the life of hon. Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas, J.P., M.P., a man of many accolades, a man of many talents, a man of Jamaica. Before his political eminence, Easton Douglas dedicated over 25 years of his life as a civil servant. His work in the then Ministry of National Security and Ministry of Defence started in 1978 and continued to see his appointment on November 24, 1980 as Permanent Secretary. Easton Douglas’s tenure at the Ministry gave him a platform to impact on those around him while offering continued service to the country.

He was teacher, a mentor, a leader and a friend. He was the consummate professional and a true gentleman. His manner was stately and commanding and his personality dynamic. As Permanent Secretary then, the staff found him to be a voice of reason, compassion and a man with wisdom within the Ministry, who always put his love for country first. His commitment to his country was unquestionable. His tenure at the Ministry was one that epitomized diligence and unwavering commitment, a man we would consider the hallmark for productivity and professionalism.he had the qualities of leadership that many can only aspire to achieve, qualities that made him as Permanent Secretary, a force to be reckoned with and one that we will never forget. He was a skilled relationship builder, resilient and not easily deterred. He was humble and comfortable with both simplicity and complex ambiguity. easton Douglas was a servant. He had a long and distinguished career in both the public and private sectors.

His intrinsic worth, went beyond the political space. Douglas also contributed invaluably to the land and housing development sector in Jamaica. His expertise in land valuation and land administration was of significant value to the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of Technology (UTECH). His legacy of dedication and service to the development of Jamaica’s infrastructure will be etched on our mind years to come.

I wish to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this devoted Jamaican. He will be greatly missed but he will always be fondly remembered. May his soul rest in peace.

Dr. The Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP Minister of Health

“The tree is a slow enduring force, straining to the sky.” Hailing from Old Harbour, St. Catherine, Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas was truly a son of the Jamaican soil. Deeply rooted in service to his country and fellow man, Mr. Douglas gave his best years to the people of Jamaica, having served the country as a member of parliament and a government minister.

His deep roots and love for public service, allowed him to branch out in various spheres of government, sharing his expertise as a Minister of Health, Housing, public Service and Land & Environment at different stages of his political life. He was a humble civil servant, giving guidance as Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of National Security and Housing and as a Government Town Planner. His branches also stretched to the benefit of the private sector, where Mr. Douglas was a distinguished land surveyor and urban planner.

"A man is a bundle of relations; a knot of roots, whose flower and fruit age is the world." - Ralph W. Emerson. Jamaica stands tall, proud and grateful for a son, who has nourished the land of wood and water and now takes his rest. My prayers are with his family during this time of bereavement.