Dear Sir,

It is with great sadness that I read of the passing of Malaika Laurine Butler-Douglas.

In 1998, I was Principal Mechanical Engineer, Ministry of Works and Engineering, at the Government Quarry, Bailey’s Bay. We had a vacancy for a truck driver and received a number of applications, including from one from Malaika, the only female candidate.

At that time, there were no women employed in that section and I was determined to change that. Malaika conducted herself well at the interview and was selected.

My decision met with resistance from some colleagues. In addition, the only female washroom facility was being used to store junk and was in a mess. I had it cleaned out and renovated, and Malaika started work.

She proved to be a model employee and repaid the faith I had in her. After leaving government, I continued to see her around and she would give me a shout out or wave from her truck as she passed, and sometimes we had a nice chat.

She is sorely missed. Jennifer and I send our deepest regrets and condolences to her family.

IAN HIND

Hamilton Parish