MoBay's luxury housing developer Donovan James is dead
Published:Saturday | May 16, 2015 | 12:00 AMSenior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Donovan James, the Montego Bay businessman credited with the rebirth of the upscale Ironshore community, is dead.
James was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Northwest Construction and Development Company.
He died last night at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew, just under two weeks ago after he was admitted.
James, who has won several prestigious international awards for his skills at developing luxury-gated communities, was behind the construction of 'The Venetian', 'Tuscany Place' and 'The Villagio' in Ironshore, St James.
"He was one of the second city's most respected developers, who was extremely humble about his achievements. He believed in community development and was very committed to Montego Bay," said friend and attorney, Henry McCurdy.
The lawyer, who has known James for more than 20 years said his death would be a great loss to the tourism capital.
"Because his projects were top of the line and of a certain standard, returning residents bought his houses," he said.
Several persons in Montego Bay openly mourned the loss of the father and spouse, with expressions of condolences from Jamaicans near and far.
James who attended Cornwall College, was hailed by those expressing sadness.
"I still cannot believe it. I can see that infectious smile. It's hard to really accept this one, but we have to ..." said Lance Gibbs of the Cornwall College Alumni Association in South Florida.