I must commend you and writer Nadine Wilson on your wonderful feature in the Monday March 4 All Woman magazine on Dr Erica Gordon-Veitch, an outstanding champion of the dental fraternity and a remarkable lady, whose distinguished family history has consistently been a record of dedicated service to the nation.
Indeed, as your story has shown, Dr Gordon-Veitch has really been the ultimate manifestation of a family blessed with tremendous vision and considerable achievements.
Her dad, Dr Lebert William Gordon Veitch, also a renowned family dental surgeon who started the practice in the same Molynes Road area with his wife Claudia in 1962, was born in Lucea to Gladys and Rev Dr Felix Gordon-Veitch and educated at Gladys Veitch Prep School (1932-38), Rusea's (1939-43), Wolmer's (1944-46) and Universities abroad. Incidentally, Erica's son, Eric Idris who lives in Japan, was also a Wolmerian like his grandfather. Her father was perhaps named after his uncle (and Erica's grand-uncle), Lebert Josiah Veitch, an educator, planter and penkeeper who taught extensively in England and various African countries and who, like his brother Felix (born 1872 and 1887, respectively), originated in St Ann as sons of agriculturist James Veitch and his wife Elsie Jane Gordon.
Erica's grandfather, prominent Baptist clergyman, physician and legislator, Rev Dr Felix Gordon-Veitch became the last Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) for Hanover (1925-44) who worked closely with barrister JAG Smith for changes in the political system, including the changed face of the Council from mostly whites to predominantly blacks. He later joined the JLP and became one of the few who actually bridged the old and the new political systems when he was elected the first Member of the House of Representatives (MHR) for the constituency of West Hanover in the first general election under the New Constitution in 1944, and was also appointed the first Speaker of the House. Sadly, he was also the first MHR to die in office when he passed away on July 4, 1946 at age 59.
So, having garnered over 33 years experience in paediatric and family dentistry, and having inspired young patients who have emulated her, plus reserved time for related institutions like the Dental Auxiliary School, the Jamaica Dental Association, etc, Dr Erica Gordon-Veitch has not only filled the very large shoes of her father, but has clearly established herself as a devoted people person and professional, reminiscent of her other family members who wore the Veitch brand with pride and dignity.
Troy Caine
trodencorp@gmail.com
Great family tradition of service
-->
Indeed, as your story has shown, Dr Gordon-Veitch has really been the ultimate manifestation of a family blessed with tremendous vision and considerable achievements.
Her dad, Dr Lebert William Gordon Veitch, also a renowned family dental surgeon who started the practice in the same Molynes Road area with his wife Claudia in 1962, was born in Lucea to Gladys and Rev Dr Felix Gordon-Veitch and educated at Gladys Veitch Prep School (1932-38), Rusea's (1939-43), Wolmer's (1944-46) and Universities abroad. Incidentally, Erica's son, Eric Idris who lives in Japan, was also a Wolmerian like his grandfather. Her father was perhaps named after his uncle (and Erica's grand-uncle), Lebert Josiah Veitch, an educator, planter and penkeeper who taught extensively in England and various African countries and who, like his brother Felix (born 1872 and 1887, respectively), originated in St Ann as sons of agriculturist James Veitch and his wife Elsie Jane Gordon.
Erica's grandfather, prominent Baptist clergyman, physician and legislator, Rev Dr Felix Gordon-Veitch became the last Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) for Hanover (1925-44) who worked closely with barrister JAG Smith for changes in the political system, including the changed face of the Council from mostly whites to predominantly blacks. He later joined the JLP and became one of the few who actually bridged the old and the new political systems when he was elected the first Member of the House of Representatives (MHR) for the constituency of West Hanover in the first general election under the New Constitution in 1944, and was also appointed the first Speaker of the House. Sadly, he was also the first MHR to die in office when he passed away on July 4, 1946 at age 59.
So, having garnered over 33 years experience in paediatric and family dentistry, and having inspired young patients who have emulated her, plus reserved time for related institutions like the Dental Auxiliary School, the Jamaica Dental Association, etc, Dr Erica Gordon-Veitch has not only filled the very large shoes of her father, but has clearly established herself as a devoted people person and professional, reminiscent of her other family members who wore the Veitch brand with pride and dignity.
Troy Caine
trodencorp@gmail.com
Great family tradition of service
-->