Give him his correct title
Published:Saturday | February 19, 2011 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
The Norman Manley Interna-tional Airport was expanded at great cost and a large placard outlining the life of our national hero was erected in the check-in area. It was noticed that the information included a statement that Norman Manley served in the British army, where he was awarded a military medal (common letters).
No, sir. Norman Manley was awarded the Military Medal for bravery (abbreviation MM).
This is significant for a number of reasons. First, this medal of bravery is only awarded to ranks other than that of officers. Manley refused an officers' commission, preferring to stay with the rank and file.
Second, he served with the Royal Artillery some distance back from the front line, not the normal place to earn a bravery medal.
Third, he was a 'colonial', and as such would have had to have performed at a higher level for this bravery medal to be earned.
To be recognised for bravery by your superiors while serving in the military is, indeed, a high honour, and the Right Excellent Norman Manley, although modest in admitting this decoration, was always aware of the things unsaid that this decoration implied. After all, it was not 'given out with the rations'.
Could the sign be changed to reflect that he had the Military Medal, and not 'a military medal'?
I am, etc.,
DUDLEY BEEK
Oracabessa, St Mary