PNP Party Officials

“He saw Jamaica’s development and achievements as his personal achievements”

I am among thousands of persons in Jamaica and across the globe who had the opportunity to meet and interact with Easton. However, I happen to be one of a smaller number who had the opportunity to work and interact with him in political, professional and personal capacities for almost three decades. It was never difficult to quickly develop a close and rich attachment to him. Among my early State appointments was serving as a Regional Hospital Board chairman for Easton, the then Minister of Health following the elections of 1989. Very quickly I became a partner in a common mission of public service, and the commencement of a relationship that was never ending, and will not end, even with Easton’s passing. We became partner and Parliamentary colleagues in public service and personal friends over our lifetime. The Easton Douglas I met and knew, was a consummate public servant who saw public service as the highest form in which to express and give of the best in us. He is among those who found enormous joy, pleasure and pride in the success and achievements of others. He saw Jamaica’s development and achievements as his personal achievements, regardless of who the various individuals are that have played a part in it. In fact, basically all Jamaicans were his own.

The richness of our relationship is etched in our mutual respect, trust and regard for each other. This made it extremely easy to interact on any matter, including those in which we share common agreement, and those in which we have diametrically opposing positions. On the latter occasions, after very fierce debates, we will end the exchange with a smile, a handshake and an acknowledgement that our friendship remains fully intact. Our friendship was never allowed to be left to chance because we both valued it. We not only shared the same high school experience having attended Kingston Technical High School, but also hail from adjoining rural communities in St. Catherine. In times of disagreement we would remind each other that our beginnings and nurturing make us inseparable! His prolong illness kept him physically away from many of us for quite a while, but never out of our minds. And so, even upon his passing, he will remain with us and continue to serve as an inspiration to us as individuals who knew him, the Peoples National Party that he loved and served so dearly, and Jamaica that he gave his all to.

Fitz Jackson, M.P. Chairman Peoples National Party

“Long after his retirement from representational politics, Easton was always willing to offer support” Tribute from South East St. Andrew

The Hon. Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas served his constituency, Party, Government and the people of Jamaica with distinction in many areas. He holds the unique distinction of excelling in every aspect of his life - from being a top civil servant to Minister of Government, Member of Parliament, Vice President of the People's National Party while remaining at the top of his profession.

As Member of Parliament for South East St. Andrew from 1989 to 2002, there are a number of landmarks that he was instrumental in establishing and developing. In the area of housing, he played a pivotal role in the development of the Langston Court and Mountain Court housing schemes. Easton believed in community development and saw to the establishment of a community centre for the Swallowfield community, which was built upstairs the basic school by Bob Allen Drive. He nurtured and facilitated the Ashe performing arts group by making space available at the Nannyville community centre for the establishment of their home base. A believer in early childhood development, Easton facilitated the establishment of the Merrion Road basic school.

Long after his retirement from representational politics, Easton was always willing to offer support, guidance and advice to others in the constituency and Party. He possessed a wealth of knowledge and expertise which he shared freely for the benefit of the constituency and country. He walked with kings but never lost the common touch.

Julian Robinson Member of Parliament

Some Short Reflections on Comrade Easton…

Comrade Douglas, the Individual: What struck me most about Comrade Easton Douglas, was his genuine natural humility, great patience and warm rapport with people. I specifically mention ‘patience’ as one of his virtues, because I know of my own issues with patience. He did not ‘walk tall’ as if he was better than others.

His Listening Ear: he had a listening ear for almost everyone and was never seemingly disrespectful to anyone. I remember after Executive Committee meetings, or after long Regional Executive Council (REC) and National Executive Council (Nec) meetings held on Sunday’s, when many members understandably rushed home, Easton would be the one to stay behind and listen patiently to and converse with the Comrades. Vividly, I remember many a late Monday night, up to an hour and more after these often very lengthy Executivecommittee Meetings had ended, he would still be there listening to the Comrades.

The Team Portia Campaign: As the Cocampaign and Road Manager for the 2006 Team Portia Presidential Campaign, four days before the actual elections, we ran completely out of funds. We had no money for transportation, accommodation or meals. He, as the Campaign Chairman, unhesitatingly wrote his personal cheque for $2,000,000 and handed it to me, which literally saved the day and our campaign. Fortunately, it was one of those occasions when we could have fully reimbursed him, but I shudder to think what would have happened, had we lost.

Land Policy: finally, one of Minister Douglas’ most significant contributions, apparently not remembered in the tributes I have read and heard so far, was the formulation of the ‘National Land Policy’ in the early 1990s, presented at the BOJ Auditorium at which I was privileged to have been present. It was the first time in my life that I fully appreciated the importance and correlation of a national land policy in relationship to economic development, people’s residential needs, access to our beaches and most importantly, the protection of agricultural land and the environment.

His Commitments: Many would have had some disagreements with him, even sharp disagreements, but no one could doubt his patriotic love and commitment to Jamaica or to the People’s Party, which he always knew was (Jamaica’s) Best Choice.

Best wishes to the family in this time of their bereavement.

Paul Burke Member, New Foundations Group

“Easton Douglas was indeed my political father and mentor”

As the years passed I came to recognise that Easton Douglas was indeed my political father and mentor, moreover he was always very involved in the lives of the constituents of South East St. Andrew. I entered politics in 1989, and in those early days I did not have any representational dreams or aspirations. But with his guidance and his motivation, goals and opportunities became apparent, perhaps because of the opportunity to serve under his leadership and his willingness to guide and lead. I became Councillor for the Vineyard Town Division some twenty years ago, and looking back, I can attest to the significant role that Easton Douglas’ political and personal guidance played in my life as a young politician. Whether we were walking the streets and lanes of the Division to talk to constituents in their homes and pinpoint the needs of residents, or building networks with key contact persons in order to make things happen. When I decided to take on the role as Councillor, I was also a full time student at the University of the West Indies, and, in my mind, this was a recipe for disaster. Nevertheless, in retrospect, I know that Easton Douglas’ astute and nurturing approach made my responsibilities lighter as he guided and taught me the requirements and responsibilities of a Councillor, while always encouraging me to pursue my studies. I know that he always believed in me! I also remember his determination and that he was simply a very hardworking Comrade! His interests spanned aspects of community life, and he served with passion and integrity, while always finding the time to listen and take advice from his team. Easton Douglas cared about people … it was more than just politics; and he was actively involved in youth clubs and community-based organizations across the constituency, all of which received his full backing. Once illness entered Easton’s life, he displayed courage and strength and perseverance over these many years, but he also continued to provide support to members of the political directorate. Indeed, his legacy lives on beyond the borders of South East St. Andrew. It was an honor and privilege to have worked alongside him for the people of the Vineyard Town Division. His wisdom nurtured me along the right path! I will always remember him for his determination and counsel and confidence … walk good, Comrade Douglas!

Andrew Swaby

“The first thing we noticed was that he was a man of class”

It is with deep sadness, I pause to put on paper the things that I remember about the Hon Easton Douglas. And it is with a heavy heart that I pen these words. Easton Douglas came to us in southeastern St. Andrew when we were at a very low ebb as a constituency. We were seeking for someone who would be our representative when next an election was called. We had lost the 1980 election, and with that we lost comrade John Junor. He had moved on to central Manchester. It was about this time after much searching and rejecting many that came, that along came this comrade. The first thing we noticed was that he was a man of class. It was seen in everything he did and he immediately captured our hearts. He challenged us to be a constituency that would always strive to be the best we could. Not only was he a comrade of class and not only was he one that challenged us, but he was a comrade who cared. He cared for the constituency and all those with whom he worked. Namely the workers and the elderly who not being able to work anymore, were still valuable in his eyes.

Upon the constituency being victorious, and comrade Douglas being made Minister of Health, he brought about changes in the health system. He introduced programmes that increased the nursing population that was slowly decreasing. He refurbished the nurses residence situated on Half Way Tree Road and as a result it brought much needed employment during the period of reconstruction. He was instrumental in building a thirty six apartment complex known as the Langston Court. How could I ever forget the times we spent at his home, wherever that was, as he entertained his workers. Especially on new years night, where there would be much food and fun. We will always remember comrade Easton Douglas and will endeavor to maintain southeastern St. Andrew as a bastion for the People’s National Party.

He has fought a good fight, has kept the faith and he has finished the course. Sleep well my friend.

Tribute from Neville Ashman Former Councillor Trafalgar Division