Desmond Blades, chairman of Musson Jamaica Limited, died Wednesday night while on vacation in the United Kingdom. He was 80 years old.

Blades, whose business career in Jamaica spanned five decades, was said to be the driving force behind the founding of Musson (Jamaica) Limited, one of the most powerful manufacturing and distribution businesses locally.

President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Joseph M. Matalon, said Blades' passing was a significant loss to the private sector and Jamaica by extension.

"I always knew him to be of the highest integrity. His word was his bond," Matalon told The Gleaner yesterday.

"We have lost a great son and hopefully his legacy will be continued and the family will continue to grow the business."

Blades was inducted into the PSOJ Hall of Fame in 2002.

Milton Samuda, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), described Blades as an icon in Jamaica's business circles. He served the JCC in several leadership capacities, including president for two terms.

"Mr Blades has had the type of distinguished career which should serve as an example for the many years to come."

Helping voluntary sector

The JCC president said the Musson chairman's contribution to the country's economy had been particularly felt in the areas of food processing and distribution.

Blades was also a founding member of United Way of Jamaica, a non-partisan organisation providing services for strengthening other organisations within the voluntary sector.

Chairman of United Way of Jamaica, Noel daCosta, said Blades, who first served as chairman of the finance committee after the inception of the organisation in 1985, brought financial credibility to the organisation.

"It was important to have people of demonstrated principle, integrity and credibility in such a position and he fit the post admirably."

Respect and gratitude

He became chairman of the board of the organisation in 1987 and served in that capacity until 1998.

"He certainly made his contribution to the private voluntary sector and we will always remember him with respect and gratitude," he said.

Blades, earlier this year, received the Order of Jamaica at a ceremony at King's House.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Bruce Golding described him as a man who went against the odds.

"When others see calamity, he looks at adversity and sees opportunity," Golding had said. "He represents to Jamaica not only a story of success, but he is an icon."

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com