THE close-knit family of environmental professionals in Jamaica gathered with family members and friends of late hydro geologist, Earl Wright at the University Chapel, Mona yesterday to say thanks for his life. In a moving three-hour ceremony led by Rev Stephen Jennings of Mona Baptist Church, tributes were paid reflecting Wright's contribution to the development of water resources in Jamaica. The multi-faceted nature of an individual loved and admired by many was borne out by the number of tributes paid to him from different organisations. Wright, who was from Bunkers Hill, Trelawny, was murdered on Thursday, November 14, 2002. He was found in his vehicle in Newport West with his throat slashed and a bullet wound to the side.
One of few hydro geologists in the island, he was hailed by Basil Fernandez, managing director of the Water Resources Authority (WRA) where he worked as chief hydrologist and technical advisor, as a keen professional who had the potential to contribute much more to national development.
"His last major project with us is the National Water Strategy which has been developed for the island and which will be launched later today, and I am certain he would be at this launch," Fernandez said, adding that although Wright had a few years ago established his own consultancy, he still worked very closely with the WRA.
Ian Brown, president of the Geological Society of Jamaica, where Wright served in several capacities, said he was a goal-oriented individual who brought vision and focus to the society.
In her tribute, Eleanor Jones, managing director of Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL), where Wright worked for several years as a consultant, described him as a brilliant professional in "patient pursuit" who helped to advance the mission of ESL which views the environment working in harmony with development.
"Our work as environmentalists is now weakened by the loss of a vital link, and the Jamaica Institute of Professionals will sadly miss his contribution," Jones said.
In a brief homily, Jennings said that Wright, like all individuals, was entrusted with a God-given talent -- to interpret, nurture and care for the environment -- which he did to the best of his ability.
"He made full use of that trust, and made sure it paid dividends. He took that trust of relationship seriously, he has done so much in such a short time with us," Jennings said.
Wright had over 17 years' experience in hydrogeology and water resources management and had benefited from a government scholarship to pursue an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of London.
Following his return to Jamaica in 1991, he worked on a number of national projects, including the Riverton City Dump and Landfill, Ferry Springs Hydro geological Study, National Irrigation Development Plan and the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Study Review for the Planning Institute of Jamaica.
Wright is survived by his mother Osra, wife Rochelle and two-year-old daughter Jadeyann, among other relatives.
Orvill Webb (1984)
THE close-knit family of environmental professionals in Jamaica gathered with family members and friends of late hydro geologist, Earl Wright at the University Chapel, Mona yesterday to say thanks for his life.In a moving three-hour ceremony led by Rev Stephen Jennings of Mona Baptist Church, tributes were paid reflecting Wright's contribution to the development of water resources in Jamaica. The multi-faceted nature of an individual loved and admired by many was borne out by the number of tributes paid to him from different organisations. Wright, who was from Bunkers Hill, Trelawny, was murdered on Thursday, November 14, 2002. He was found in his vehicle in Newport West with his throat slashed and a bullet wound to the side.
One of few hydro geologists in the island, he was hailed by Basil Fernandez, managing director of the Water Resources Authority (WRA) where he worked as chief hydrologist and technical advisor, as a keen professional who had the potential to contribute much more to national development.
"His last major project with us is the National Water Strategy which has been developed for the island and which will be launched later today, and I am certain he would be at this launch," Fernandez said, adding that although Wright had a few years ago established his own consultancy, he still worked very closely with the WRA.
Ian Brown, president of the Geological Society of Jamaica, where Wright served in several capacities, said he was a goal-oriented individual who brought vision and focus to the society.
In her tribute, Eleanor Jones, managing director of Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL), where Wright worked for several years as a consultant, described him as a brilliant professional in "patient pursuit" who helped to advance the mission of ESL which views the environment working in harmony with development.
"Our work as environmentalists is now weakened by the loss of a vital link, and the Jamaica Institute of Professionals will sadly miss his contribution," Jones said.
In a brief homily, Jennings said that Wright, like all individuals, was entrusted with a God-given talent -- to interpret, nurture and care for the environment -- which he did to the best of his ability.
"He made full use of that trust, and made sure it paid dividends. He took that trust of relationship seriously, he has done so much in such a short time with us," Jennings said.
Wright had over 17 years' experience in hydrogeology and water resources management and had benefited from a government scholarship to pursue an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of London.
Following his return to Jamaica in 1991, he worked on a number of national projects, including the Riverton City Dump and Landfill, Ferry Springs Hydro geological Study, National Irrigation Development Plan and the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Study Review for the Planning Institute of Jamaica.
Wright is survived by his mother Osra, wife Rochelle and two-year-old daughter Jadeyann, among other relatives.
Atherine(Deputy Headgirl) Lee (1983)
To ma bona fide bredren.... rest in peaceMichael Holt (1980)
...a great loss to humanity. May his soul rest in peace.Fabian Reid (1998)
R.I.P. CUZ you will never be forgotten.