Remembering Edwin Samuel Jones, OJ, CD

THE SUNDAY GLEANER, MAY 2, 2021 | FEATURE1 I I3 TRIBUTE TO PROF EDWIN JONES FEATURE PROFESSOR EDWIN JONES ... I T IS with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Professor Edwin Jones, a true patriot whowas dedicated to the betterment of Jamaica through public service and volunteerism. Prof Jones was a strong supporter of the People’s National Party and was committed to the party’s rebuilding efforts. In the 1980s, he was key to the development of the party’s Political Education Programme and served as Chair of the Political Education Commission, where he was integral in the expansion of the party school into regional offices. His most prominent political rolewas that of Party Spokesman on the Public Sector, where he championed key policy initiatives and advocated for the fair and equitable treatment of public sector workers. Professor Jones was an academic, a tireless volunteer, and a model citizen. On behalf of the People’s National Party, we salute him and send well wishes, condolences and love to his family, friends and colleagues who are mourning a tremendous loss. MARK GOLDING President, People’s National Party ‘A true patriot’ MARK GOLDING P ROFESSOR EDWIN Jones was a visionary, a br i l l i ant and incisive thinker, an excellent communicator and a man of exceptional warmth, generosity and integrity. Professor Jones’ scholarship in the sub-disciplines of public administration and public policy is of international repute. His concentration on interrogating problematics in Caribbean public administrative systems made him the doyen of public/policy administration/ management in the region. Professor Jones’ work charted a new trajectory t h a t c h a m p i o n e d multidisciplinarity, problem- focus, standard-setting and capacity-building. In one of his seminal pieces, he probed the pervasiveness of the practice of political manipulation of public administration. Professor Jones was seized by the presence of this moral dilemma in Caribbean public administrat ive systems and sought to engage the dysfunctionalities by exploring the concept of Administrivia. Professor Jones’ expressed philosophy is encapsulated in the mantra: research and teaching in public administration/management and public policy should be both theory-led and practice-driven. This translates into a ‘call to action’ to ensure that research and teaching achieve outcomes in improved problem-solving competences and capabilities in regional public policy and administrative systems. That philosophy has shaped the development of programmes of study at the baccalaureate and postgraduate levels in the sub-disciplines of public/policy management. It also influenced the programmes introduced while he was Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, as he oversaw the introduction of the Executive Masters in Business Administration, the Carlton Alexander Chair in Management Studies, and a cooperative agreement with the Statistical Institute of Jamaica to deliver the BSc in Business, Economics and Social Statistics. Professor Jones was a mentor par excellence. He was resolute in achieving excellence in others rather than pursuing his personal ambition. He intentionally activated and enabled the academic careers of many. Professor Jones was powerful! He achieved that power not by building fiefdoms and empires but from building confidence in others. For him, everyone is a professor. Professor Jones was a guiding light and a moral compass in the academe. He was the kindest and most supportive colleague and friend. Our sense of loss is immense. But we take comfort in the knowledge that his influence will live on through the colleagues and students he inspired, and through his published work. THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES UWI, Mona ‘A brilliant and incisive thinker’ FILE Executive Director of the Mona School of Business, Evan Duggan (right) presents the award for contribution to the establishment of the USAID/UWI Management Education Project to Prof Edwin Jones. The Service Pharm family regrets the passing of Professor Edwin Jones. Since its inception in 2004, the company has benefitted from the sound and erudite business guidance of Prof Jones which led to the company’s growth and development over the years. Jamaica, his family, and colleagues have lost a dedicated and spirited servant leader, father, and friend. He will be missed forever. Walk good Prof! THE BUSINESS DISTRICT LIMITED Mourns the Death of its Chairman Emeritus Professor the Hon. Edwin Samuel Jones, OJ, CD In March 1993, Professor Edwin Jones and his wife Maria, combined forces and established The Business District Limited. He remained the Chairman of The Board of Directors until his death on 10 March 2021. This pioneering and groundbreaking business benefitted immensely from his revolutionary spirit, his vision, and his management experience and leadership skills refined over nearly fifty years of service to The University of the West Indies, The Mico University College and several ministries and agencies of government. The Board, Management and Staff of The Business District are mourning the loss of Prof. Jones’s steadfast, thoughtful, insightful and capable leadership, even as the Company ventures into the newest phase of its development and growth. Fortunately, Chairman Jones the perpetual campaigner for change had imparted, indeed instilled, profound business principles, ethical standards, deference for customers, and respect for technology, which will guide the direction of The Business District for many years to come. Thank you Chai