The nation of Saint Lucia is mourning the passing of esteemed former public official Percival “Percy” McDonald, whose death was formally announced on January 14. The Diamond Estate, Soufriere native succumbed to a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his former colleague Cletus Springer, who remembered McDonald as “a gentleman and patriot.
McDonald’s most notable contribution came during his tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and International Financial Services from 1994, where he delivered exceptional service for five years. His distinguished public service career began in the late 1980s with assignments in the health and agriculture ministries.
Following his retirement from central government, McDonald intensified his community engagement in Soufriere. He served as Vice President of the Regional Development Foundation (1999-2004) and chaired the groundbreaking Soufriere Marine Management Association (2000-2008). His compassionate leadership extended to establishing a soup kitchen initiative through the Soufriere Parish Council in 2004, providing sustenance for street beggars and underprivileged individuals through collaboration with the St Vincent DePaul Society and National Community Foundation.
McDonald subsequently transitioned into health administration, chairing the board of St Jude Hospital and serving as chairman and consultant administrator of the Spartan Medical Sciences Institute. He also presided over Tenelle Health Sciences University.
Springer fondly recalled their professional relationship on social media: “The glue between us was the late, great Romanus Lansiquot. When I transferred to Planning, Percy replaced me at Tourism. We had many lively arguments and shared countless humorous moments. He was a fitness fanatic who exercised as often as he could.”
McDonald’s national contributions were formally recognized through multiple honors. At the 2023 GIMIES Awards, he received Special Recognition for developing the tourism ministry’s marketing arm and spearheading the national taxi association. His dedication earned him an MBE in 2000 for public and community service, upgraded to CBE in 2022 for poverty alleviation initiatives.