Dear Editor,
I was disgusted by the comments made by Professor Horace Fletcher, the dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Mona, over the ‘dead babies scandal’. His comments were there for all to see on the front page of the Jamaica Observer last Friday.
For the professor to go off and defend Dr Fenton Ferguson shows the lengths that some in high office will go to protect their boys’ club circle.
It pains my heart that so many grieving mothers and families had to sit and read that diatribe from Professor Fletcher as he defended the indefensible and sought to downplay the horrendous situation. As the cousin of one of those mothers, I say, unreservedly, “Sir, think before you speak, and shame on you!”
Professor Fletcher should have known better. He should know that several health officials were aware of the bacteria outbreaks at the hospital between June and September and did little to contain its spread and save lives.
He should be aware of the fact that Dr Ferguson and his team dropped the ball big time, and were only awoken to reality after a few good people in media began to search out the truth and bring it to public attention. It was only then that he began to act, but not before the usual self-saving back and forth about who knew what and when.
Professor Fletcher should also know that, given the poor handling of the chikungunya epidemic, and the other scandals in the public health sector, caused the force of public opinion to become so hostile that the very Government was on its knees and had to get him out.
Professor Fletcher has brought shame to the high office he holds, and one wonders how wise the institution would consider his commentary. Our country is in really dark times.
Belinda Rice
Ricebb7@outlook.com
I was disgusted by the comments made by Professor Horace Fletcher, the dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Mona, over the ‘dead babies scandal’. His comments were there for all to see on the front page of the Jamaica Observer last Friday.
For the professor to go off and defend Dr Fenton Ferguson shows the lengths that some in high office will go to protect their boys’ club circle.
It pains my heart that so many grieving mothers and families had to sit and read that diatribe from Professor Fletcher as he defended the indefensible and sought to downplay the horrendous situation. As the cousin of one of those mothers, I say, unreservedly, “Sir, think before you speak, and shame on you!”
Professor Fletcher should have known better. He should know that several health officials were aware of the bacteria outbreaks at the hospital between June and September and did little to contain its spread and save lives.
He should be aware of the fact that Dr Ferguson and his team dropped the ball big time, and were only awoken to reality after a few good people in media began to search out the truth and bring it to public attention. It was only then that he began to act, but not before the usual self-saving back and forth about who knew what and when.
Professor Fletcher should also know that, given the poor handling of the chikungunya epidemic, and the other scandals in the public health sector, caused the force of public opinion to become so hostile that the very Government was on its knees and had to get him out.
Professor Fletcher has brought shame to the high office he holds, and one wonders how wise the institution would consider his commentary. Our country is in really dark times.
Belinda Rice
Ricebb7@outlook.com