‘Devoted public servant’ Morris Slater passes

General Manager of the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC) Morris Slater died in New York on Tuesday.{{more}}

The announcement of Slater’s death was made in Parliament Tuesday, by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, shortly after the luncheon break.

“Our dear friend and devoted public servant Morris Slater died a short while ago in New York city. He had gone up to be treated for stomach cancer and we all thought that he was progressing pretty okay, despite some setbacks, but things took a turn for the worse, today. I feel it terribly, Mr Speaker. I convey to his immediate family, condolences,” Gonsalves said.

Member of Parliament for the Northern Grenadines Godwin Friday expressed sadness on Slater’s passing, on behalf of the Opposition, and Senator Douglas Slater, cousin of Morris Slater, thanked both sides of the House for the sentiments expressed on the passing of his “dear cousin”.

Morris Slater, who was both an engineer and architect, took up duties with the HLDC in 2007, after managing a Design/Build company here from 2002.

Prior to this, Slater worked for many years in the USA and Japan.

He was a member of the St Vincent and The Grenadines Institute of Architects (SVGIA); the National Society of Professional Engineers (New York City); the American Society of Plumbing Engineer (Certified Plumbing Engineer ) New York Chapter; the National Fire Protection Association.

He was also employed as an adjunct professor at New York University for five years, teaching engineering fundamentals.

In 1980, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and Engineering technology from the City University of New York; and in 1995, he graduated with an MBA from Bedford University. In 1993, he passed the New York State Professional engineering fundamental exam. He was also certified as a Plumbing Engineer in New York City in 1984.