Tributes: Family and Friends

“He was meticulous in mapping operations and demanded high standards of performance”

The young man I met at the Land Valuation Department in the early 1960s was debonair, articulate, confident and well groomed. Easton Douglas was the ideal officer for this relatively new Department charged with the tremendous task of mapping and valuing every parcel of land in the island for property tax purposes. In this exercise credibility with land owners as well as a high level of professionalism was of critical importance. Easton had the right image. He was not daunted by the long working hours, difficult terrain and variable weather conditions. He was strong, healthy and energetic and endeavoured to meet performance targets at all times. He was meticulous in mapping operations and demanded high standards of performance from his team. He was intolerant of mediocrity and from early stages of his career showed strong leadership qualities. He was a man prepared for any eventuality on the road. His car was always in tip top condition and he even provided a mat for wiping your feet before entering his car! On the home stretch he drove behind his colleagues to render any assistance that they may need. He had the right tools and technical knowledge to deal with any mechanical problems. It was obvious from his early days at the Land Valuation Department that Easton had clearly defined goals. Despite the rigors and demands of the job he found time to sit successfully the qualifying exam and was awarded a government scholarship to undertake professional training in Estate Management (Land Economy & Valuation Surveying) in the United Kingdom. There he excelled academically paving the way for subsequent awardees. He returned to Jamaica to pursue his career as a senior public servant and later as a Minister of Government. Another side to Easton was his sartorial elegance, personal charm and agility on the dance floor. He further displayed his versatility when he represented Land Valuation in the Civil Service football competition. Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas will be remembered as a patriotic Jamaican who was determined to serve his country and to make a difference whenever and wherever he was called upon to serve.

“When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men”- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

On behalf of A.S. James & Associates Limited Team, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hon. Easton Douglas who died on Sunday, August 26, 2018. As we remember and celebrate the life of our valued colleague and friend, we reflect on the indelible footprint he left in his bid to improve the lives and living conditions of Jamaicans. The Hon. Easton Douglas has contributed significantly throughout his career in the Real Estate industry and his cabinet portfolios as Member of Parliament. From Civil Servant to Politician, Town Planner to Realtor, Easton had a midas touch and this was represented by the number of key organizations he led. The consummate gentleman, his interactions with all demonstrated his natural decency. His professionalism, calm demeanour and gentlemanly approach made him cool under pressure, thoughtful in his decisions and respectful in his delivery. Great men come this way seldomly, and our nation and the Realtors fraternity will always remember the work of Hon. Easton Douglas. His life’s work was dedicated to service and he excelled at this in all spheres. Easton Douglas epitomized all the positive values that make us proud to have called him a colleague and friend. Walk good my colleague and may light perpetual shine upon you. Andrew James, Managing Director, A.S James & Associates Limited

LAND SURVEYORS ASSOCIATION OF JAMAICA

The Land Surveyors Association of Jamaica (LSAJ) is deeply saddened at the passing of the Hon. Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas, O.J., C.D., M.SC., Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, who was called to glory on August 26, 2018. Mr. Douglas has had a long and distinguished association with the Land Surveying Profession in Jamaica, having first entered the profession in the year 1961, but later switched to becoming a Chartered Valuation Surveyor. He however remained a close colleague to our profession, especially during his tenure as Government Town Planner, where he played a significant role in monitoring and regulating the many proposed sub-divisions and development plans which would be routed to his office after our members had submitted them to the local authorities. Mr. Douglas will also be remembered by the LSAJ for the outstanding leadership and vision he provided as the head of several other government agencies in Jamaica, namely, as Managing Director of the Estate Development Company, a Statutory Corporation which then, was newly established to execute projects for the Ministry of Housing; and as Chairman of the National Housing Trust, where he strengthened that organisation’s commitment to its mandate to assist Jamaicans with home ownership. His interaction with members of our profession continued with his being the Principal in his company, Easton Douglas Consultants Limited, which played a complementary role in providing appraisal & valuation services to his clients, as we would likewise provide the land surveying services to them also.

He was a true friend of the LSAJ, and as recent as May 13, 2016, he was invited by our association to bring Greetings at the renaming and dedication of our Headquarters at the Trade Centre, Red Hills Road, in memory of one of our distinguished members, the late Harry G. Armstrong, who was his Special Advisor at the Ministry of Construction and Housing, when Mr. Douglas was Minister. On that occasion, Mr. Douglas spoke glowingly of his association with the LSAJ, especially with some of its senior members, whom had entered the profession with him in the early years, and of course, with the sound advice he received from Mr. Armstrong, a great mentor to many of us in the profession, while at the Ministry. The Land Surveyors Association will always remember the Hon. Easton Douglas for the consummate professional he was, who was so well deserving of the Centenary Medal bestowed upon him by the Institute of Jamaica, and the national honours of the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander and the Order of Jamaica. To his family, the LSAJ offers its sincere condolences at his passing, and trust that you will build on the strong legacy which he has left behind. May his soul rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.

Dear Uncle Easton,

You showed us great generousity and solid protection during our entire visit to Jamaica in 1999, for the New Year’s Eve Millennium celebration. The moment you found out we had no specific travel plan, you got to work and sorted one out for us. We spent the next 3 weeks meeting wonderful people in beautiful places across the entire island, as well as spending quality time with family. It was a holiday of a lifetime, comparable to none. We are so sorry we didn’t make it back to thank you properly. Rest in peace Dear Uncle, along with our father, our uncles and our grandparents. With love from Stacy, Luke, Atle, Quincy and Serena

To my dear brother Easton:

You’ve left a void within the nest But sleep on dear and take your rest. Though your time with us was brief We will not mourn and stay in grief. Despite our hearts been sad: This thought makes us glad; That you’re no longer in pain And the heavens another star will gain. When the void is at its peak And when we’re feeling very weak, We’ll look at your pics and smile And linger with them for a while. Your memories we will always cherish. Memories of you will never perish. Your smile, your voice has brought us cheer. Love you forever; brother dear. Sandra

Uncle Easton

- a most generous, hospitable and gracious Brother-in-law and Uncle. His company was always engaging, insightful and warm and he always demonstrated such a strong sense of family often sharing stories of family history to the delight of the younger generation. He will be greatly missed by so many, both at home in Jamaica and abroad. We will remember him always with the greatest fondness and admiration. With much appreciation for the times spent together and much love. Louise Douglas (Sister in Law) & Esther, Omega & Okela Douglas (Nieces), Isabella, Aza, Ruby & Amber Rae (Great Nieces), Cuba & Zachary (Great Nephews) & Family, (London, UK)

The Brother of my brother

Since his passing on August 26, 2018, much has been said and written about the life of Easton Douglas by those who knew him and others who knew of him. His many personal achievements and outstanding contribution to Institutions and Country should remain a source of pride, while lessening the grief for family members and friends who continue to mourn his death. Like them, I consider it an exceptional pleasure to have met and known this giant of a man for more than 30 years. We share a brother, Conrad, in common – him through biological linkage and me by a spiritual and extremely close voluntary bond for more than 40 years. It was because of this latter relationship that I met Easton, who allowed me to be exposed to countless stories of Jamaica’s rich history, culture and social construct. He spoke about each area with knowledge, supported always by statistical data, reference sources or empirical evidence. Long before he reached the age at which it is excusable to disproportionately talk about one’s early life, Easton would recall historical events and experiences of national importance with such clarity and well positioned perspective that there was no need for the electronic visual aids for one to get a feel of being transported back in time. The stories were typically shared with the unlikely combination of accuracy, reverence and wit, which held listeners captive with interest while he entertained, often resulting inthe outpouring of contagious laughter. He could be quite funny and held his listeners’ attention with that distinctive timbre of his voice as he related the seemingly insignificant details of the story of the moment. Easton could, arguably, have had a career in academia or in a related area, because of the capacity of his intellect, thirst for understanding and passion for sharing information. I am not sure if anyone was able to convince him to document his amazing journey in the same way that his siblings encouraged their own father to do.if that was done, then we can expect to read an absorbing memoir at a future date, but if it was not done, then we will all continue to cherish the many occasions on which we were able to hear or watch Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas do so much, for so long, for so many. Lynden Nugent

“He became a role model for all”

I first met Easton Douglas in 1958 when my family moved next door to the house beside his house on Pretoria Road. His family’s house was one of the most beautiful houses on the road and the most denselypopulated. This was because hismother ran an employment agency and it was also where our youth club was located. When I arrived there Easton was already married andwas living in Harbour View with his family but he visited his family regularly and so we all got the chance to meet him. He became a role model for all of us by the way he was always immaculately neat and well dressed, also by the dignified way he carried himself and the cool calm manner which he exhibited when he responded to questions we sometimes asked him. He is still the only man I know who could keep a new car for five years and it still looked as it did when it was brand new. We could not help but observe the warmth and affection that was on his face whenever he greeted his family each time he arrived for a visit. His brother Conrad and I became inseparable and Easton became my role model and that was where I developed a love for office work as I wanted to grow up to be like him. That desire to work in an office increased even more when on more than one occasion Granny (his mother) asked me to sit in her office to take phone calls and record messages. I followed his career from his days at the Town Planning Department until he was promoted to the position of Town Planner and later to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security. He ended up there because that position was the only one they could find to give him a promotion which he richly deserved. My feelings of pride and admiration intensified when he joined the Peoples National Party and was elected as a Member of Parliament. He was first appointed as Minister of Health where his organisational skills and positive work attitude made him an outstanding Minister in an area where he had no prior experience. He was later appointed as the Minister of Housing and also as a Vice President of the Party. He served his constituents for three consecutive terms and I specially remember when I went by his house shortly after Hurricane Gilbert because his house was insured with my Company. His own house was damaged by the Hurricane but he was not home when I got there because he had gone into his constituency to assist the people whose homes were also damaged by the Hurricane. The friendship that started in 1958 blossomed to great heights and apart from those who were familiar with his family members, anyone else who saw us together whether at his house or a function would think that I was a member of his family. The great love and admiration which I have for him remained unbroken and continued for sixty years to the day he passed. I loved him dearly and though he will no longer be around he will remain in my thoughts and in my heart until my final day. I thank God for the day I met him and thank him for the friendship he shared with me as well as for the positive influence he had on my own life. On behalf of myself and the Nash family I say a final farewell to Uncle Easton. rest in peace, I am sure light perpetual will shine on you. William Nash

RESIDENTS OF MICHIGAN ESTATE

The Honourable Easton Xavier Douglas has left a legacy that is second to none and his indefatigable service to our community and country speaks volume of his unimpeachable character. He exhibited many admirable qualities, such as dedication, sincerity, trustworthiness and responsibility. He was a self-starter, having the drive and dependability to complete a given task to the satisfaction of everyone. He was very ambitious and fully determined to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve his goals. He was our President, our Educator, our Historian, our Intercessor, our Financier, our Planner, our Builder, our Dreamer and most definitely our Charmer. The task ahead of us is a laborious one, because we are expected to thrive and continue the journey of a man who became the bedrock of our community, who had valour and displayed a service that will be unmatched by anyone.he is truly irreplaceable and will forever be etched in the heart and soul of every homeowner and resident of Michigan Estate. The pride of Michigan Estate was once the envy of many, because the Honourable, the Admirable and Phlegmatic Easton Xavier Douglas presided there; and it was there he remained until his passing. To the family we say, we are Oh so sorry for your loss but in solidarity we stand ready to hold your hand and support you in the same way he proudly held and supported us. Rest well our esteemed leader as we now struggle to continue your pristine legacy.

It is with deep sorrow that we learned of the passing of the late Easton Douglas.

Mr. Douglas represented the People’s National Party in South East St. Andrew in which the community of Nannyville is located. during 1996 we approached the then Minister of Housing, Mr. Douglas, for a piece of land and/or building where Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble could meet as a group for training and rehearsals. Mr. Douglas was very quick to suggest a location in Nannyville that he felt was ideally suited --an abandoned community center which had become unsafe for the community. We immediately went to work rehabilitating the buildings and soon we had the ideal center for Ashe. We provided training for hundreds of Nannyville children some of which have gone on to become international stars on the world stage. Unfortunately, Ashe had to leave this ideal location, following the death of one staff member. Mr. Douglas implored us to return and remain in the center but getting beyond that incident was proving too difficult for the organization. Ashe continues its ground breaking work of training thousands of young people in the Performing Arts elsewhere. Today we express our thanks to Mr. Douglas for believing in us and helping us to find our way in providing us shelter when we most needed it. May his soul rest in Peace. Norma S. Clarke (Mrs,) Former Director On behalf of Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble

Tribute to a Brother, Easton

The family tree has lost a limb but we take heart as we hold to the promise that “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 Sandra Mcintosh

UTECH

The Faculty of the Built Environment extends sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the late Mr. Easton Douglas. Mr. Douglas who passed recently, was a former Minister of Housing and a key player in 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. Mr. Douglas’ contribution to the BSC Land Economy& Valuation (LEVS) programme in the School of Building and Land Management cannot be overstated. He was not only a consistent patron of the education and training in Valuation Surveying offered by this Faculty, he was a founding member of the LEVS Diploma Course which was later upgraded to the B.SC. LEVS Degree. His support for the establishment of education and training in Valuation Surveying was a true reflection of the foresight he had and his dedication to developing young professionals. Much like a wise parent, he continued to avail himself to the LEVS Division and its students over the decades by providing guidance and leadership in matters of academe and practice. For example, he was a consistent employer in the B.SC. LEVS internship programme and he was a dedicated panelist on final year research proposal presentation panels. Mr. Douglas did not only provide feedback as a panelist, he would invite and engage students in follow up meetings and discussions on their research projects. Perhaps because of his years of working with students his patient and encouraging manner in giving corrections could not be overlooked. The Programme Director for the now Real Estate Management and Valuation programme recalls that, although the students, knowing his stature and wealth of experience in the field, would be somewhat timid in presenting to him, they were eager for his comments and were always reenergized by his motivation. Another notable contribution to the Division and the School was Mr. Douglas’ famous guest lectures on the Development Approval Process in Jamaica. Students from as far back as the 1980s recount his very thorough, clear and stimulating presentations on this topic, a presentation which he last gave in our Annual Faculty Lecture Series in April 2016. The Faculty of the Built Environment salutes the sterling contribution of the late Easton Douglas to the university and the wider national and regional communities.

Faculty of the Built Environment