Mentor, leader, friend
TODAY, WE are joined by a common purpose, to celebrate the life of Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas, 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 epitomised 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 for 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 HORACE CHANG