Dear Editor,
While the country was trying to come to terms with the tragic development that befell aspects of the health care system -- chief among the issues being the death of 19 premature babies from bacterial infections in two of the island's major hospitals between June and September of this year -- the primary focus has been on Dr Fenton Ferguson: his stewardship prior to and after the tragedy.
Consequently, the public's reaction to the sad state of affairs has varied from awestruck, shock, contemplation, sorrow and sadness, even anger, and for some ultimately disgust.
During these trying times, for Dr Ferguson too, I took into consideration the fact that the health minister is, after all, only human. While I accept that the consequences have been serious and deadly, he was responsible for an institution that has many layers, with various people authorised to manage and oversee the different and various departments, resulting in the potential for new developments not being brought to the minister's attention in a timely manner.
At the same time, however, I am also cognisant of the fact that he is responsible for staying on top of various happenings within the institution.
It is based on those factors that I've taken issue with Dr Ferguson's occasional jarring reaction to the public's expression of disappointment. It is evident that the minister's response to criticism, at times, leaves much to be desired. How can one help but be repulsed by the insensitive "not babies in the real sense" remark -- apology notwithstanding . It is now hard to accept or overlook his ultimate response to the public, which bordered on insulting, and was appropriately summed up by the Jamaica Observer's headline, 'Fenton lashes critics'.
Ultimately, it was that news report of Dr Ferguson's reaction to the public that appalled and disgusted me to the extent that I came to the conclusion that, for him to get so callously defensive and react to the public in such a dismissive and unacceptable manner, makes it evident that he is unworthy of being endowed with such authority and responsibility that the Ministry of Health demands -- his academic qualifications notwithstanding.
Barrington Bryan,
New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com
Ferguson's dismissal of critics proves him unworthy
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While the country was trying to come to terms with the tragic development that befell aspects of the health care system -- chief among the issues being the death of 19 premature babies from bacterial infections in two of the island's major hospitals between June and September of this year -- the primary focus has been on Dr Fenton Ferguson: his stewardship prior to and after the tragedy.
Consequently, the public's reaction to the sad state of affairs has varied from awestruck, shock, contemplation, sorrow and sadness, even anger, and for some ultimately disgust.
During these trying times, for Dr Ferguson too, I took into consideration the fact that the health minister is, after all, only human. While I accept that the consequences have been serious and deadly, he was responsible for an institution that has many layers, with various people authorised to manage and oversee the different and various departments, resulting in the potential for new developments not being brought to the minister's attention in a timely manner.
At the same time, however, I am also cognisant of the fact that he is responsible for staying on top of various happenings within the institution.
It is based on those factors that I've taken issue with Dr Ferguson's occasional jarring reaction to the public's expression of disappointment. It is evident that the minister's response to criticism, at times, leaves much to be desired. How can one help but be repulsed by the insensitive "not babies in the real sense" remark -- apology notwithstanding . It is now hard to accept or overlook his ultimate response to the public, which bordered on insulting, and was appropriately summed up by the Jamaica Observer's headline, 'Fenton lashes critics'.
Ultimately, it was that news report of Dr Ferguson's reaction to the public that appalled and disgusted me to the extent that I came to the conclusion that, for him to get so callously defensive and react to the public in such a dismissive and unacceptable manner, makes it evident that he is unworthy of being endowed with such authority and responsibility that the Ministry of Health demands -- his academic qualifications notwithstanding.
Barrington Bryan,
New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com
Ferguson's dismissal of critics proves him unworthy
-->