Blades loved his country - Businessman remembered as one who believed in Jamaica

Published: Wednesday October 21, 2009

Scores of people turned out to the St Andrew Parish Church yesterday to pay tribute to Desmond Blades, former managing director and chairman of Musson Jamaica Limited.

In a quiet thanksgiving service, family members, friends and well-wishers reflected on the contributions made by their beloved Desmond.
Paul Scott, his grandson, noted that his granddad was a hard worker; one who led an exemplary life, and was careful with resources.

He said his grandfather drove around in a 10-year-old Daihatsu Cuore with no air conditioning, spent no money on tinted glass and "always taped an old newspaper to the back window so the sun would not hit the back of his head".

Christopher Scott, Desmond's son-in-law and husband of his only daughter, described his relationship with the man many see as a stalwart in Jamaica. He noted that while many knew Blades in different capacities, the family would remember him as "simply Dad, Granddad, Granddad Blades and Des".

Great sense of humour

Scott spoke lovingly of Blades, who he said had a great sense of humour, which was mostly directed at him. He said Blades was the person who taught him to laugh at himself.
He recounted a few memories, resulting in chuckles from the congregation, as warm smiles lightened the mood.

Scott said he knew Blades since 1972 and always had much admiration for him. "In those years I have come to know a giant of a man who could balance a brilliant business brain with a strong sense of family and privacy," read Scott. "A man who never sought the limelight, but was always in its gaze."

Blades began his working career as a clerk for the Royal Bank of Canada, and later JB Leslie. In 1955, he was recruited by SP Musson to lead an unprofitable operation in Trinidad, and by 1961 the business was booming and he was asked to come to Jamaica.

Business grew

By 1970 he had a controlling interest in Musson Jamaica, and the business grew, taking on names such as Geddes Grant and Stanley Motta.

Scott noted that when business got bad in the 1970s and '80s, Blades did not leave.
"He believed in the place (Jamaica) and its beauty, and prospered," he added, explaining that the business had grown to 30 companies worldwide and 5,000 employees.

In May, Blades, who was the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's longest-serving president, as well as chairman of one of the island's largest charitable organisations - United Way - was bestowed with the Order of Jamaica by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen during a ceremony at King's House. Blades died on September 9 and, at his request, his final resting place will be the sea.