A cut above
THE EDITOR, MADAM:
THERE ARE three Jamaican individuals who have been consistently outstanding in their respective fields and who should be highlighted, commended, and emulated. They are Minister of Health, Dr Chris Tufton; broadcaster and host of “Both Sides of the Story”on Power 106, Dervan Malcolm; and local interpreter for the deaf, Antoinette Aiken.
Since day one, Dr Tufton has managed his ministerial portfolio, arguably, the most challenging one, with a consistency of excellence, professionalism, and dedication that has garnered the love, respect, and trust of many Jamaicans.
At this time, when the coronavirus has become a pandemic and there are, so far, two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica, Minister Tufton’s strong management skills, unyielding dedication to his job, high knowledge base, and sharp analytical and strategic approach in tackling complex issues places him in a very healthy position, ratings wise, when compared to his Cabinet colleagues, in my view.
Dervan Malcolm’s excellence as a radio broadcaster from Monday to Friday of each week is an inspirational, intellectually satisfying, and interesting treat for his loyal listeners. His mastery of the English language and, likewise, of both the Spanish and French languages; his brilliant oratorical skills; his sharp, analytical mind; and his dedication to informing his listeners of, in particular, local and international history, puts him a ‘decibel’ above his peers on my radio.
HOUSEHOLD FACE
Antoinette Aiken has become a household face i n Jamaica because of her high visibility on Jamaican television via her highly adept and animated interpreting for Jamaica’s deaf community. This is important so that they can know what is being said by Jamaican members of parliament as they address the House, what is being discussed at important press conferences, and impart, via sign language, whenever and wherever speeches of national concern are being delivered by the prime minister, the governor general, etc. Her strong dedication to her vocation/job and the excellence and professionalism with which she executes the latter speaks volumes each and every time she interprets.
Jamaica needs more persons of excellence like Dr Chris Tufton, Dervan Malcolm, and Antoinette Aiken.