THE EDITOR, Sir:
I JOIN the many millions who mourn deeply the unfortunate passing of the internationally distinguished journalist, Hector Bernard. He was the consummate professional - and a warm and decent individual too. For more than fifteen years I enjoyed being his occasional house guest at his comfortable Kingsway residence where he and his delightful companion Gloria Maragh always treated guests in a manner fitting for royalty.
For me, a great deal of the best of Jamaica will disappear with Hector Bernard's passing. He was an extraordinary person in many ways. Any stay at Kingsway with its famous "Wednesday get-together" was as educational as it was unforgettably hospitable. Hector Bernard gracefully entertained any and all opinions, although unsubstantiated or less than thoughtful comments exposed his vast learning and his wicked wit.
Where else in Jamaica could one practice several languages with the host, while dining and imbibing as though in a five-fork restaurant? He strode his field like a gentle giant whose example will never be duplicated. The people have lost an irreplaceable and eminently reasonable voice.
I am etc.,
FRANKLIN W. KNIGHT
fknight@jhu.edu
Stulman Professor of History
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Via Go-Jamaica
