Dear Editor,

R Danny Williams will stand as a colossal figure among the pantheons of great leaders who have contributed selflessly to the building of a nation and the shaping of a society in Jamaica’s post-Independence era.

While his passing is a monumental loss to the nation, his enduring qualities of humility, compassion, and fortitude as well as his inexhaustible motivation for success will forever represent the touchstone of what is right, fair, and just.

These are the qualities that led Williams to serve as treasurer of the Michael Manley Foundation for years. He led the fund-raising efforts with gargantuan passion and energy and did so with simplicity, ease, and unflappable humility. The foundation was able to enjoy its greatest period of financial success through his efforts, which provided it with the resources to contribute to the empowerment of the disadvantaged and the promotion of human equality, social justice, and other noble causes that embodied the political thoughts of former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley.

The flagship project derived from the fund-raising efforts was the annual August 1 Michael Manley Award for Community Self-Reliance, which showcased the best of neighbourly co-operation and self-help to make a better life for the citizens and their communities.

Williams was, by any measure, a human soul who understood and lived by a vision of change that is based on the empowerment of people. He was the man with the Midas touch, evident not only in his work through the Michael Manley Foundation, but in every other facet of life to which he dedicated his efforts, resources, and time.

The Michael Manley Foundation, and particularly during my years as chairman, benefited enormously from the standards of humanity and care that remained the bedrock of Danny Williams’ personal, professional, and philanthropic life.

The foundation pays homage to a nation-builder, a teacher, a mentor, a humanist, and a friend, who, displayed throughout his life, an impeccable desire for success.

To his wife, Shirley, his children, grandchildren, and other relatives, the foundation expresses its deepest condolence and offers prayer of comfort and hope.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Danny Roberts

Former chairman, Michael Manley Foundation

strebord02@gmail.com