KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) is mourning the death of former Member of Parliament Easton Xavier Douglas who died this morning.

Opposition Leader, Dr Peter Phillips and former PNP President Portia Simpson-Miller have both issued staatements, honouring Douglas’ life and work.

“Jamaica and the People’s National Party are poorer this morning with the passing of a giant in the process of nation-building; a man who was a champion patriotism and epitomised the true spirit of Jamaican nationhood”, Phillips was quoted as saying.

Phillips said Douglas has a long and distinguished career in both the private sector, where he a commissioned land surveyor and urban planner and the public service, serving in both the civil service and the political executive. As a civil servant, he worked as the government town planner and permanent secretary in the ministries of national security, defence and construction (housing and works) before retiring.

The PNP president noted that after his civil service career, he became active in the PNP and was elected Member of Parliament for South East St Andrew in1989 and served the constituents faithfully until he retired from Parliament in 2002. While in Parliament, he served both the administrations of Michael Manley and PJ Patterson as Minister of Health, and the Public Service as well as Housing, Land and the Environment.

Dr Phillips said under his watch, much progress was made in both housing and land distribution.

“Operation Pride, a bold attempt at low income housing through partnerships with the poor, became one of his signature programmes, and after leaving politics, he served as chairman of the National Housing Trust (NHT).”

Phillips said Douglas’ service to the party was exemplary and his work as vice president for many years assisted in the building of an election machinery which was invincible in the latter part of the twentieth century. In the service of the party and in policy debates, he was always a voice which championed orderly physical development and improvement of the living conditions of the poor Jamaican people, who remain landless. He detested land capturing, “uglification” of communities and gentrification to the exclusion of poor Jamaicans.

The PNP leader said for his colossal contribution, he was deservedly awarded the Order of Jamaica, which was a fitting tribute by a grateful nation.

“I extend by deepest sympathy to his family, especially to his daughter Kari who serves as a councillor in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) for the Trafalgar Division in St Andrew South East, once represented by him. I am confident that God will grant them comfort and peace. They can also take comfort in reflection that his journey on earth was filled with blessing and goodwill to many. Rest in peace, Easton,” Dr Phillips concluded.

For her part, Simpson Miller, former prime minister of Jamaica, said it was with deep sadness that she learnt this morning of the passing of her mentor and friend, Easton Douglas.

In a statement today, Simpson Miller said his contribution to Jamaica’s development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, physical and urban planning and housing, could be equalled but never surpassed.

“When it came to housing for the poor, he was diligent, articulate and passionate, and he always found a way to advance the interest of those who were landless by the reality of history,” she was quoted as saying.

The former prime minister, who was a cabinet colleague for over a decade, said his contribution to government and party were simply brilliant because of the commitment and the principles he brought to his duties as a minister of government.

Easton, she said, “will always be remembered for his outstanding work in the political vineyard as a long-standing vice president and member of the decision-making bodies.” He never forgot his origins and that served as motivation to his resolve to improve the lives of the black masses of Jamaica, she recalled.

“On a personal note, Easton Douglas believed in me and mentored me, particularly because of his vast experience in the public service, where he excelled and became permanent secretary in three ministries, as he was a minister in three ministries. He was chairman of my campaign team when I sought the leadership of the People’s National Party and we enjoyed an extremely close relationship,” Simpson Miller said.

The former prime minister concluded by extending condolence to his family and assured them that they were in her prayers.

“I will always be grateful to him and I will miss him always,” she said.