Letter of the Day | Marshall McGowan Hall – An epic story

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There are only a few human beings who in their lifetime have reached the zenith in several distinctive fields. To that august pantheon belongs Professor Dr the Hon Marshall McGowan Hall, whose rise in the halls of academia, the boardrooms of corporate conglomerates and the corridors of public-sector leadership is a story of epic proportions.

In building Jamaica Producers Group into a successful, formidable and diversified global conglomerate, he ensured positive change in agriculture and the strengthening of Jamaica’s manufacturing capacity for economic growth. His commitment to the expansion of employment opportunities and the economic and social advancement of workers was unequivocal.

Marshall Hall’s incisive analysis, innovative thinking and transformative management came from a brilliant mind. In 1972, he returned home from Africa to undertake seminal work in developing and deepening the skills of a large cadre of private- and public-sector managers. He accomplished this through his stellar work as professor of management studies, department head and dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at The University of the West Indies, where he laid the solid foundations for the creation and development of the Mona School of Business and Management.

After his retirement from the professorial chair, he remained a shining light at the centre of virtually every committee and decision-making group in directing and guiding the contemporary evolution of The University of the West Indies.

Dr Hall was also an eminent public servant as chairman and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service. He gave unsparingly of his time and personal resources to countless causes and national institutions with a generosity of spirit and an unwavering devotion to excellence.

Dr Marshall Hall was a tower of strength to the Government of Jamaica and would always offer his sage advice frankly but clearly.

As one who led the Lomé negotiations and subsequent efforts to maintain the Banana Protocol, I can attest to his meaningful engagement and astute diplomatic forays at crucial stages in our struggle to maintain our traditional market.

Professor Hall was a distinguished member of the West Indian Commission. He was never hesitant in urging Caribbean leaders to be bold in fashioning workable mechanisms to provide greater economic and social benefits to all the people of the Community.

Integrity, honesty, realism and industry were principled hallmarks of this outstanding Jamaican.

I extend sincere condolences to his wife Dr Jeanette Hall, his children Allyson, Andrea, Jeffrey, and all members of his family. May the memory of his eminent and extraordinary national contributions never fade and serve to inspire us, as well as those who follow, to emulate his mission of dedicated service to Jamaica. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

P. J. PATTERSON

Former Prime Minister

of Jamaica