Tributes: Prominent National Officials

The Most Honourable Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, ON, MP

(excerpt from Gleaner Publication of August 27, 2018)

Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the late Easton Douglas as a passionate public servant. Douglas, a former Minister of Housing and Health in the 1990s, died this morning after a period of illness. He was 81. In paying tribute, Holness said Douglas served Jamaica with honour and dedication.

“Easton Douglas has etched his place in the history of Jamaica. His legacy is one of sacrifice, dedication and service to the development of Jamaica and its people. He was most passionate about infrastructure development, particularly town planning. Indeed, he served the people of Jamaica well,” said the prime minister. Douglas also served in the capacities of Member of Parliament for South East St Andrew, permanent secretary, Government town planner and chairman of the National Housing Trust. He was also a business owner.

“Despite our political differences, Easton’s passion to see the development of Jamaica always stood out as one of his most endearing traits. As a passionate public servant, he deserves the highest commendations for his years of service and sterling commitment to see Jamaica grow,” continued Holness.

The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, ON, Former Prime Minister

It was with a feeling of deep sadness that I learnt of the passing of my mentor and friend, the Hon. Easton Douglas.

Jamaica has lost a faithful and committed servant who rose through the ranks of the Civil Service. He excelled and became Permanent Secretary; he was also Minister in three Ministries.

He served as guide to many senior civil servants and government Ministers. In his quest to give greater service to his country, he decided to become an active member of the People's National Party and entered the cut and thrust of representational politics. Eventually he won the seat of St. Andrew, South East in the House of Representatives. Given his training and educational background, he was naturally and particularly interested in matters affecting the Built Industry and the Environment.

Most of his contribution to Jamaica’s development, was therefore in the areas of infrastructure, physical and urban planning and housing, these could be equalled but never surpassed.

Mr. Bruce Golding, Former Prime Minister

Easton Douglas’ life was one of dedicated service to his country. He served in many different capacities, including his tenure as Government Town Planner, Permanent Secretary and Minister of Government.

Easton served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Construction shortly after I was given charge of that portfolio in 1980. I remember well the solid guidance that he gave me, the strong leadership that he provided to the staff, his attention to detail and his demand for accountability. Notwithstanding his lifelong sympathies to the People’s National Party which he subsequently acknowledged publicly, he never allowed it to interfere with the performance of his duties or the close relationship we shared. Many of our frequent extended discussions took place at his home in Mountain Spring and I remember the warmth and hospitality shown to me by his wife and children. On occasions when we traveled abroad together on official business, Easton was a reliable source of knowledge, experience and advice and he played a significant role in the agreements we were able to conclude with different international agencies.

Even as we mourn his passing and embrace his grieving family, we celebrate his life of service and achievements.

Dr. Peter D. Phillips, MP Leader of the Opposition

On behalf of the Peoples National Party and the Jamaican people, I salute the life and work of Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas. Easton grew up in a home in which the priorities were the inculcation of Christian values and the pursuit of academic excellence and with parents who unreservedly embraced Norman Manley’s vision of Jamaican nationhood.

His formal education began at elementary school and continued at Kingston Technical High School. His training at the University of the West Indies; the University of London; University of Reading; College of Estate Management and the West London College of Commerce, prepared him for a long and distinguished professional career. Town Planning and People centered Physical Planning were his abiding passions.

For over two decades Easton Douglas served Jamaica as Assistant Land Surveyor, Valuation Surveyor, Government Town Planner, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Construction. He also served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Defense. The record confirms the quality of his service.

Ultimately in his desire to be more effective, he set out on a political career. He entered Parliament in 1989 as the elected representative for South East St. Andrew and remained an effective servant of his constituents until his retirement from representational politics in 2002. During that period he held a range of cabinet portfolios including Health, Public Service, and Land, Housing and the Environment.

Throughout, he embraced Norman Manley’s vision of an independent Jamaica and gave valuable service to the Peoples National Party as Member of the Executive Committee, the National Executive Council and Constituency Chairman. He was a member of the Cabinet during the administrations of Michael Manley and P.J. Patterson and remained an effective public servant on various Statutory Boards during the administration of Portia Simpson Miller. Throughout his years, I benefitted from his considered advice and guidance. He extended his contribution to nation building by his role as founder and member of the Association of Land Economy & Valuation Surveyors, Member, Town and Country Planning Association, and Chairman of the National Housing Trust. A grateful nation conferred on him the Order of Jamaica and the Centenary Medal of the Institute of Jamaica for outstanding contribution to the development of Art and Culture in the area of National Conservation.

I along with others of my generation were indeed fortunate to have served with Easton Douglas in the cabinet of Jamaica and in the various endeavors of nation building. He was a colleague who we all regarded as the most informed discussant on public policy and the structure of government. All in all he was an example of patriotic commitment and a nation builder par excellence.

The Most Hon. P. J. Patterson, Former Prime Minister, ON, PC, QC

Easton Douglas — a friend, a colleague and a brother at times of tempest in the tumult of life's journey. Our acquaintance commenced through the introduction by my elder Brother Reginald, who worked as a pharmacist in Duncans where Easton spent his early boyhood days. That friendship blossomed as the years went by and we moved from school to college and eventually to the days of our professional calling in the fields of surveying and the law where our paths frequently crossed.

As the beneficiary of fine tutelage in the craft, Easton's skills in physical planning and urban development were formidable, resulting in his appointment as Chief Town Planner at an early age. His meticulous attention to detail and his precision ran in tandem with his grasp of the bigger picture. His reputation as a fine administrator equipped Easton well for elevation to the rank of Permanent Secretary. He earned well deserved commendation for his many years as a Public Officer.

On his early retirement from the Civil Service, Easton Douglas chose to devote his time and energy to the cause of nation building and the uplfrent of our people by his enfry to the political vineyard. He contributed heavily to the research and positive policies which the People's National Party presented for the successful election campaign of 1989. His electoral victory in S. E. St. Andrew enabled him to establish a fine record of successful and impressive representation in a constituency which includes New Kingston, headquarters to the largest firms in corporate Jamaica.

His first stint as Minister of Health enabled him to kickstart much of the expansion to our major hospitals and the modemization of the national health system. But it was in the field of Environment, Land and Housing where his vocational aptitude and passion enabled him to leave his most distinctive impact.

Easton Douglas was a wise, energetic and creative member of my team in the Cabinet and an able, loyal Vice President of the Party.

To his children, siblings and the entire Douglas family we extend our sincere sympathy and profound thanks. Another of our illustrious sons has ended his earthly sojoum. May he forever enjoy eternal peace and light perpetual shine over him in the realm above.