Douglas Vaz

wikitext Douglas Vaz (19 February 1936 – 9 November 2019) was a Jamaican politician.

Vaz was a member of the Jamaica Labour Party, which he represented throughout his political career. He was first elected to the Parliament of Jamaica in 1976, from the North Central St Andrew constituency. Vaz switched districts in 1989, to the North East St Andrew constituency, vacating North Central St Andrew for Karl Samuda. Vaz lost his seat in North East St Andrew to Karlene Kirlew-Robertson in 1993. Between 1980 and 1989, Vaz served in the Cabinet of Jamaica formed by prime minister Edward Seaga, as the minister of industry and commerce.

Political views

In 1973, Douglas Vaz, then president of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA), publicly criticized Michael Manley’s declaration of support for African liberation struggles. Manley had pledged material and moral support for African independence movements, particularly in Southern Africa, where countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe were fighting against colonial rule and apartheid.

Personal life

Vaz married Sonia in 1959. The couple divorced in 1984. Their son, Daryl Vaz, is also a politician. Douglas Vaz died in his sleep on 9 November 2019, aged 83.