Remembering Dr Kenneth Thaxter

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Dr Devon Crossfield, president of the Church Teachers’ College Alumni Association (CTCAA), the executive and members note with regret the passing of the Rev Dr Kenneth Thaxter, past principal of Church Teachers’ College; Mandeville (CTC).

Dr Thaxter or ‘KenT’, as he was affectionately called, was one of the ‘midwives’ at the birth of CTC; and was among the ‘Mayflower Six’, – the chosen group of lecturers, at the start of the college that was opened by the Anglican Church in 1965. For those who may not know, Church Teachers’ College now occupies the property that once housed the Mayflower Hotel in Mandeville. In 1979, KenT succeeded Rt Reverend Dr William Murray, who was elected Suffragan Bishop of Mandeville, as principal, and served for another 17 years until his retirement in 1996.

Dr Thaxter’s 30 plus years impacted 31 cohorts or batches of women and men, including journalist, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and columnist for the Jamaica Observer, Lloyd Smith; educational thought-leader Avis Glaze; Jamaica’s first female to be appointed training officer for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Assistant Commissioner Jevene Bent; Rosemarie ‘Rosie’ Stone, who was married to the pollster, Carl Stone; musician Sam Carty; radio personality Jennifer ‘Jenny Jenny’ Small; Justice Sheron Barnes, puisne judge (Ag); Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham; Rev Canon Dr Grace Jervis and Audrey Tugwell Henry, president and CEO, Scotia Group Jamaica Limited, who, along with hundreds of teachers, all passed through his tutelage.

Michael Andrews of the Florida-based alumni association described him as manifesting “the virtues of life and living with moral and intellectual clarity”, and that “he was a social intellect who knew the power of respect”, while past student Dr Clyde Bailey calls him “a gentle giant, a humble personality of rare distinctions ... . His pedigree and noble character are rare”.

The words of past student Valrie Bartley are potent, “He looked out for poor people’s children who dared to dream big but needed the additional support to pull through.”

Let it be known to all persons that it is rare when amazing greatness, intellectual astuteness and humility exist together in one person. Such was the late Rev Dr Kenneth Thaxter. His wife Laura (an alumna of CTC) predeceased him. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to his children Karen, Robert and Annya and their families.

DUDLEY MCLEAN II (Batch 15)

Public Relations Coordinator

Church Teachers’ College

Alumni Association