The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus is mourning the passing of another member of our family - prominent economist and business leader and former chairman of The UWI Mona Campus Council, Dr Marshall McGowan Hall, who transitioned on November 22, 2022.

This son of the soil and Kingston College Old Boy was educated at the tertiary level overseas, first at Columbia University where he read for his first degree in economics and then at the University of Wisconsin where he read for his PhD and was a faculty member. He also served as full professor of economics at Washington University.

On his return to Jamaica in 1972, Dr Hall served as a member of The UWI Family in the capacity of Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Head of Department for Management Studies. In addition to serving as Chairman of the Campus Council from 2007 to 2017 he was also a member of the Council of the UWI.

With his deep and diverse understanding for global economics through research and experience, he earned the respect of corporate Jamaica. Through his leadership and business acumen, his wit, sincerity and humour he held several corporate directorships and served as board chairman of public and private sector bodies. He was Chairman of the Banana Export Co. Ltd., the Eastern Banana Estates Ltd., the Jamaica Mutual Life Assurance Society, the St. Mary Banana Estates Ltd., and the Victoria Banana Company. He also served as Director with National Commercial Bank of Jamaica Ltd. and Guardian Life Insurance Company. 

On the public sector side he was a Member of the Public Utilities Commission; Chairman and Chief Executive, Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd.; Chairman of Jamaica Public Service Company; Chairman, the National Development Bank (1981-86) and the Jamaica Development Bank (1978-86).

The admiration and respect of his peers in corporate Jamaica earned him an induction into the PSOJ Hall of Fame in 2004. His service to nation building recognized by the Jamaican Government and he was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Rank of Commander and the Order of Jamaica (in 2010).

His extraordinary contribution to corporate Jamaica and this University through his life’s work is a legacy that has left a permanent mark on this nation.

The UWI Mona extends heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends in their time of bereavement.

Photo credit: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/