Rashleigh Esmond Jackson: ‘A profound head and an affectionate heart’

Rashleigh Esmond Jackson

By Ronald M Austin

The man who died on September 1, 2022, at the age of 92, was an exceptional human being. Rashleigh Esmond Jackson was a well-educated, articulate man, who had a puckish sense of humour, an infectious sense of fun and an unfailing interest in anything which improved the mind. He was interested in jazz and classical music, literature, art, the varieties of education and the importance of sports in society. It was not surprising, therefore, that when he turned his mind to diplomacy he not only mastered this art but ensured that its strengths and possibilities were pressed into service to ensure the survival of the country he loved. His belief in the need for an equitable international system as well his commitment to Caribbean and Regional integration, his diplomatic network spanning several continents were marshaled in defence of his country.  By the time Rashleigh Jackson resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1990, after a tenure of approximately twelve years, he had helped bring the state of Guyana safely to port, having helped to protect it from the aggressive wiles of Venezuela and Suriname and those who initially opposed its ideological direction. Incidentally, his tenure was the second longest in the Western hemisphere after that of Malmierca of Cuba.