THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS I think of the great Ian Ramsay, a few thoughts come to mind, which I would like to share.
In 1976, I was working in the general office at the Half-Way Tree Courts with my dreadlocks. Whilst at my desk one morning, a gentleman came up to me and said:
"I am very glad to see you here, and I have been told that you are on your way to being a lawyer, never let them overcome you."
I enquired of him who he was, he humbly replied, "Ian Ramsay." These words of encouragement ring in my ears daily. Two weeks later, I was called to the Ministry of Justice and was told, they had made a mistake in sending me there and I was promptly fired.
My first public appearance after leaving prison in 1992, was to have the honour of addressing the Advocates Association, at the Three Little Bears restaurant. I related the real conditions of what goes on behind the wall, and the fact that no prisoner in this country is classified as a human being, but as a 'body'.
Ian Ramsay was the chairman of the Advocates Association then. At the end of my presentation, I received a standing ovation from my colleagues, a moment which I forever cherish. But more importantly, when Ian Ramsay rose to speak, the words did not come out. I was standing beside him and when I looked at him, I realised tears were falling from his eyes, having been overcome with emotion.
A I reflect on this great and outstanding brother, I remember a humble but not well remembered freedom fighter in South Africa, by the name of Andrew Sibusiso Zondo, 18 years old.
During the war for the liberation of South Africa, in 1985, Andrew planted a bomb at Amanzimtoti, in South Africa, which killed five persons and injured many. Four days later, Andrew was caught, eventually tried, found guilty and sentenced to be executed. His accomplice had become state witness and traitor.
On Sunday, September 7, 1986, Aiken Zondo, Andrew's father, visited him, this was two days before his execution. Andrew said to his father:
"I did my duty Babayi, I did it well, do you not think so?"
His father replied: "You did it very well indeed, my son.
I feel proud to be your father."
Many of us feel very honoured to have learned from Ian. You did it very well indeed, my brother. He gave his life to the development of law, that's much more than many of us will ever accomplish. The journey continues.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL A. LORNE
54 Church Street
Kingston
