EDITORIAL - Jamaica needs more Dons like him

If the title of 'Bishop of the Diaspora' had been created, in all probability, it could have gone to Bishop E. Don Taylor of the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Born and bred here, he was nurtured by the late Bishop Percival Gibson, who became his mentor, encouraging him to follow in his footsteps in education and sacred ministry.

As an educator, Bishop Taylor became the principal of Kingston College. As a priest, he ministered in local churches until the call led him further afield to be elected Bishop of the British Virgin Islands. He later went on to Atlanta, Georgia, where his flock included a growing number of Jamaicans, for whom he became an unofficial ambassador.

Subsequently, he was appointed Vicar Bishop of the Episcopal Church in New York City where he found himself administering to some 80 churches. This led to contact with members of the diaspora movement not only in Manhattan, but in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and other communities where the Jamaican diaspora was rapidly growing. Bishop Taylor became a familiar figure to them, participating in community events, especially occasions of celebrating national achievements. He became 'Bishop Don', an ambassador, pastor and friend to all.

When time for retirement came, Bishop Taylor returned to Jamaica and opted to serve at the Kingston Parish Church. There he immediately began initiating programmes, involving the community in the streets and lanes around the church, with special emphasis on youth. When the people didn't come to him, he went to them, no matter how challenging the environment.

DIASPORA FRIENDS

He also opted to chair the board of the Central Branch School, in another area of the city that was part of the Parish Church family.

These endeavours called for resources, and Bishop Don did not hesitate to draw upon diaspora friends for assistance. They responded willingly, and the projects grew.

Illness began taking a toll on him. Eventually, he was not able to continue what he had started at the Parish Church and had to retire yet again. This he did in December 2013. His health continued to decline and he returned to New York for further treatment.

The diaspora journey was drawing to a close. It ended May 24 in a New York hospital when his big heart could beat no more. He was 77.

Segments of modern Jamaican society have built up shrines revering strongmen ruling turf with the might of muscle and machine guns. But these dons have helped to shape a fractured country. It would be wiser if Jamaican men modelled the life of a true Don - repairing the breach - like E. Don Taylor.

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