Letter of the Day | A line needs to be drawn on political rhetoric

THE EDITOR, Madam

Political rhetoric has its place, but when it goes so far as to belittle the work of people who have made significant contributions to Jamaica, is where the line should be drawn. Everald Warmington recently expressed unkind words about Sir John Golding, which show an appalling level of ignorance that Jamaica does not deserve from someone who professes to serve the country. In speaking about Mark Golding, he questioned the origins of Golding. We expect more from our political leaders. Warmington hasn’t gained respect from the majority of the Jamaican people by being a rabble-rouser.

I had the benefit of providing public education work to Sir John Golding and his team when Jamaica faced a polio epidemic in the late 1980s. He was a humble, dedicated man who saw coming to my office frequently to discuss the public education campaign as no comedown. He was not like a lot of puffed-up people whose offices demand that people come to them and be suitably respectful – forgetting that they pledged to serve the people.

Sir John Golding was an eminent orthopaedic surgeon who was key to containing the polio epidemic that hit Jamaica in the 1950s. He also made immense contributions to the disabled community, as evidenced by the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre at Mona. Much of his work was concerned with the welfare and rehabilitation of the disabled, particularly those affected by poliomyelitis. Professor Golding’s work stretched beyond providing conventional medical care and conducting research to include many altruistic endeavours.

He helped the disabled to continue their lives without the feeling of inadequacy. For handicapped children who were unable to attend school, he opened the Hope Valley Experimental School, the first and only school in the Caribbean to integrate disabled and able-bodied children. Other initiatives included a company to employ the disabled, a farm for the handicapped, a Cheshire village, a fairground to employ the handicapped and raise money for a rehabilitation centre, a prosthetics and orthotics centre, a physiotherapy school, and a hospice.

In addition, Professor Golding initiated the introduction of safe driving laws and legal aid for the injured. He also opened the Hospice Home Care and the Hospice Pain Care Centre, where he took care of the terminally ill free of charge. He started the 1966 Polio Games to provide an avenue for physical exercise as part of his rehabilitation plan. This led to the establishment of the Special Olympics. Sir John Golding has received many accolades for his commendable contributions to the field of medicine and his work with those affected by poliomyelitis.

We beg to ask this question, what are Mr Warmington’s achievements?

BERL FRANCIS