Stanford alumnus and former managing group director for the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) Raymond Wright Ph.D. ’76 died Thursday, July 7 at his St. Andrew home after a prolonged illness. He was 71.

A geologist by profession, Wright was the author of several books including “Energy: The New Agenda” and “Jamaica’s Energy.” He was “instrumental in the conceptualization and founding of the PCJ in 1979,” according to an obituary in The Jamaica Observer.

Wright also attended Durham University and London University. He was a strong advocate for drilling oil and natural gas both onshore and offshore in Jamaica. Several groups, including PCJ and Jamaica’s Opposition People’s National Party, have released statements honoring and commemorating Wright.

“He had a long and distinguished career in the field of energy and is respected internationally for his contributions to the energy sector, especially in the areas of renewable energy and oil and gas exploration,” the PCJ said in a press release.

—  Ellora Israni