A progressive thinker

EASTON WENTWORTH Xavier Douglas, witty, forward thinker, a pioneer for all things called ‘progressive development’ are some of the accolades that may be used to describe this extraordinary professional.

A graduate of some of the most prestigious institutions, such as the University of the West Indies; University of London; University of Reading (UK); College of Estate Management (Lon); West London College of Commerce, where he pursued studies in Urban Planning and Estate Management, respectively. These were the predestined bases of his intellect, skills and advocacy he deployed in the land valuation, planning and the environmental sector within the Jamaican landscape and the wider caribbean region.

Easton served as the Government Town Planner of Jamaica during the 1970s, under the then portfolio Ministry of Mining and Natural Resources. While serving in this capacity of Government Town Planner, he became the chief architect of the National Physical Plan (1978-1998). The plan conceptualised strategies and recommendations for Jamaica’s national development. Several components of this plan have been implemented and are still relevant today.

He was also involved in the crafting of several other spatial planning documents that had far-reaching impact on the development of the country. In addition, he helped to streamline the land use planning framework within Jamaica.

He later became the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mining and Natural Resources; then on to the Ministry of Health and Environmental Control (19891993), where he also served as permanent secretary. As no surprise to his colleagues, he became the minister of public service and environment. During this period, he was one of the pioneers of the Land Economy Valuation Surveying (LEVS) Diploma Programme at the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), now University of Technology, and he was also instrumental in the creation of the National Land Agency.

SEVERAL ROLES

Easton has served in many other capacities professionally, such as Distinguished Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Distinguished Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as well as on many national and international boards, to include the Natural Resources Conservation Department (1970s), Habitat for Humanity, and the National Housing Trust.

During his tenure as minister of land environment and housing, he envisioned the creation of the National Environment and Planning Agency, through the merger of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, Town Planning Department and Land Development and Utilisation Commission came to life.

Easton Douglas is remembered as a model professional with in-depth knowledge of his craft. During his tenure, he ensured that the highest standards were maintained in the review of development projects. He will be remembered for always making himself available to serve the business of the Agency, even at short notice. He also willingly delivered speeches on planning matters, particularly at the Caribbean Urban Forum and the World Town Planning Day events. He was committed to nation building and gave of his knowledge freely to ensure that Jamaica got the best of him.

The National Environment and Planning Agency regrets the passing of Easton Douglas. He was a great Jamaican who was seemingly inspired and guided throughout his life by a sense of servitude to this wonderful nation. The chapter on his life will be indelibly marked on the consciousness of all those of us who have been fortunate enough to call him family, colleague or friend. May the life of Easton Wentworth Xavier Douglas be a blueprint for the development of us all. Rest well, Sir Douglas.

PETER KNIGHT

He was committed to nation building and gave of his knowledge freely to ensure that Jamaica got the best of him.