Mr. Douglas Vaz was born in Kingston on May 20, 1937.
Statesman Douglas Vaz was known to be a dedicated businessman, a diligent worker and a well-respected mentor to many young businesses. The manufacturer turned four-term Member of Parliament served as the President of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association and was a founding director of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica. He joined the Jamaica Labour Party in the midst of the State of Emergency in 1976 when he contested and won the St. Andrew North Central constituency.
Douglas Vaz’s contribution to the 1980 landmark victory of the Jamaica Labour Party is quite notable. He maintained a determined spirit and a positive, optimistic outlook despite the arson to his family business; being tear gassed in the streets at demonstrations; stoned; cursed and shot at. To the Honourable Karl Samuda, this was evidence that “one man’s actions could make a difference”.
Between 1980 and 1989, Mr. Vaz served as the Minister of Industry and Commerce in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Edward Seaga. Due to changes in the constituency boundaries, he switched Constituencies in 1989 to the constituency of St. Andrew North East where he served as Member of Parliament until 1993.
During his tenure, Mr. Vaz made significant and impactful contributions to the development of Jamaica with many years of service to his country.
Mr. Douglas Vaz is the father of Cabinet Minister and West Portland Member of Parliament, the Honourable Daryl Vaz.