Sheldon McDonald – A True Caribbean Man

For significant portions of his professional life, Sheldon Ayon McDonald appears to have been condemned to bear the weight of the regional integration project on his shoulders. Sometimes – most times – that must have felt like bearing the weight of the whole world on his shoulders.

His shoulders were never broad. In fact, they were quite slender. But they were supported by a brilliance of intellect; a nimbleness of mind; an iron fist of will; and a ready irascibility for those who obstructed his purpose. He was the embodiment of the words of his countryman: “I’m like a stepping razor; don’t you watch my size … I’m dangerous!”

Unlike Atlas of ancient Greek mythology, Sheldon McDonald was not condemned by any god to bear this burden. It was a burden of his own voluntary choosing. His eminent academic and professional qualifications, and his native connections with such notable Jamaican figures as Messrs Michael Manley, P.J. Patterson, Carl Rattray, and Patrick Robinson, meant that his options were many: a career as a political activist and, possibly, a member of parliament and a minister; an international lawyer, possibly in the law of the sea; an international negotiator for global trade deals; a researcher and writer; a journalist and producer.

But he chose none of those. Instead, he chose us.

Read more at: Jamaica Gleaner