The Most Honourable Sir Donald Burns Sangster, ON, GCVO

tcollins66
Jul 29
3 min read

Updated: Aug 12

Feb. 22, 1967 – April 11, 1967

Sir. Donald Sangster was born in Black River, St. Elizabeth, on October 26, 1911, to parents W.B. and Cassandra Sangster. He attended Munro College for eight (8) years and excelled in his studies while actively participating in various sports such as cricket, athletics, boxing and gymnastics. By engaging in a legal apprenticeship immediately after leaving high school, Mr. Sangster became a professional solicitor and was later admitted to practice in Jamaica in 1937.

Black-and-white portrait of a young Donald Sangster in a light-coloured suit and striped tie. — Sir Donald Sangster. *Credit: Jamaica Gleaner*

Early Career and Rise to Political Leadership

Sir. Donald Sangster had an early start to his political career. In 1933, at age twenty-one (21), he was elected to St. Elizabeth’s Parish Council and later became a member of the House of Representatives for South St. Elizabeth and North East Clarendon, respectively. In 1945, he replaced Mr. Frank Pixley to become the Minister of Social Welfare & Labour, and is said to have done the same for Sir. Harold Allen, who was Minister of Finance. Sir. Donald Sangster joined the Jamaica Labour Party in 1949. Subsequently, he won the seat for South St. Elizabeth in the general election of that year. After this victory, he became the JLP’s first Deputy Leader and served as Minister of Social Welfare from 1950 to 1953, as well as Minister of Finance from 1953 to 1955.

Following the Party’s victory in 1962, Sir. Donald Sangster continued to serve as Minister of Finance, demonstrating a commitment to the social and financial well-being of his country. He went on to play a crucial role in Jamaica’s transition to independence by serving on the Joint Committee of Parliament that drafted the constitution for an independent Jamaica. He was also a part of the delegation that visited England in 1962 to discuss the constitution with the British Government.

Donald Sangster, wearing a suit, dark tie and glasses, is pictured against a white background. — Sir Donald Sangster. *Credit:* *jamaicalabourparty.com*

Jamaica’s 2^nd Prime Minister – Social & Economic Contributions

Sir. Donald Sangster became Acting Prime Minister as a result of Sir Alexander Bustamante’s unfortunate illness and subsequent withdrawal from Prime Ministership and active politics in February 1964. During this period of acting, Sir. Sangster simultaneously held positions as Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Defence.

Sir. Sangster was a faithful supporter of Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, Sir. Alexander Bustamante and a devoted Deputy Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party from 1949 to 1967. Upon Sir Alexander Bustamante’s resignation, and the JLP’s victory in the general elections of February 1967, Sir. Sangster was officially appointed as Jamaica’s 2^nd Prime Minister. However, shortly after forming his cabinet, he fell ill and tragically died on the 5^th of April 1967.

Social and Economic Contributions to Jamaica

Throughout his political leadership, Sir. Donald Sangster made significant contributions that helped shape Jamaica's foundation, especially in its move towards self-governance. He is remembered as a 'great social servant' who extended himself beyond his political and ministerial capacities.

Sir Donald Sangster dressed in a suit and top hat walks on a street during a parade, with onlookers and a vintage car in the background. — Sir Donald Sangster. *Credit: Jamaica Gleaner*

Financial Inclusion: As a Governor of the International Monetary Fund since 1963, Sir. Sangster worked to ensure that Jamaica was accepted into this and other international organisations, namely the United Nations and the World Bank. From 1963 to 1966, Mr. Sangster led Jamaica’s delegation to the World Bank and IMF meetings in Washington. Thus, playing a vital role in establishing Jamaica on the national stage as a nation of sound financial integrity.

Commonwealth Relations: In 1962, Sir Donald Sangster accompanied Sir. Alexander Bustamante to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference in London, and again on Sir Bustamante’s behalf in 1964. He was also Jamaica’s delegate to several Commonwealth Parliament Conferences in countries such as New Zealand (1950), Ceylon (1952) and Malaysia (1963). Sir Sangster went on to become the Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 1964 and presided over its conference held in Jamaica that year.

Public Service and Advocacy: Sir Donald remained a public and social servant even outside of his political obligations. He served on several public boards and committees, representing the interests of various groups such as farmers, Boy Scouts, educators and sportsmen. His involvement included being a Director of Jamaica Vegetables Ltd. (1943-1949), a member of the Munro and Dickenson Trust, the Black River Drainage and Irrigation Board, and the Board of Governors of the Institute of Jamaica. He also chaired the University of the West Indies Grants Committee in 1963.