Alva Deane, you were a true exemplar

On April 20, Mr Alva L Deane at the age of 92 passed away. He epitomised humility, integrity, decency and simplicity for all of us to follow, if our country is ever to become a gentler place for all of us.

Mr Deane was the Manager/ Secretary of the Public Housing and Loans Board. In 1962, he was the Manager of the National Housing Authority and held that position until 1968. He was the first person to hold such positions in both government organisations, and one never heard any controversy surrounding this humble public servant.

I have been very privileged to have known this man since I was a little boy in Woodbrook. He never yearned for material things. He lived in a simple two bedroom house with his wife and four children. He later extended his home to three bedrooms. He could have afforded a large home in any prestigious neighbourhood but was totally contended and proud of his home and his family.

Our country, with the passing of this gentleman, Mr Alva Deane, has lost a big chunk of decency, honesty, sincerity and integrity of what our people were once and what we should aspire to be like. Unless the story of the life of Mr Alva Deane and others are highlighted in the media, we will be doomed as a people.

I will miss my too infrequent conversations with him and his inspirational words. May Mr Alva Deane rest in peace and may his life be an inspiration to the young citizens of our beautiful country.