Former MP Harry Douglas has died

Former junior minister and People's National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament for St Mary South Eastern Harry Douglas has died. 

The party announced the news in a statement Saturday, hailing Douglas and Emerson Genard Barrett, a former MP and junior minister who died on Thursday, as "stalwarts of Jamaican public life". 

Douglas, who died Saturday, served as MP from 1989 until his retirement in 2007.

"His tenure was characterised by visionary leadership and tangible achievements. Among his most notable contributions was the construction of educational institutions such as Annotto Bay High School, Bromley All-Age School, and St Mary Technical High School, as well as the repair and upgrading of nearly 30 other schools. These efforts provided thousands of children with access to quality education, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come," the party said. 

Douglas was also a minister of state in the former Ministry of Water and Housing. The PNP said he worked "tirelessly to improve infrastructure and living conditions for Jamaicans, demonstrating a deep commitment to sustainable development and social progress. His legacy in education, community development, and public service will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps."

Daryl Vaz, a cabinet minister in the ruling Jamaica Labour Party administration and MP for Portland Western, has also hailed Douglas. "Harry was one of a kind. Condolences to his family. I will miss him," he posted on social media site X. 

The party earlier paid tribute to Barrett, the former Mayor of Kingston who famously presented the keys to the city to Brazilian football legend Pelé at the National Stadium in January 1971. 

He also served as councillor for the Gordon Town Division in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation; chairman of the Social Development Foundation; Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, and MP for St Andrew East Rural. 

"As we celebrate their lives, we honour their steadfast dedication to service and their profound contributions to Jamaica," the PNP said. 

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