THE EDITOR, Sir:
The untimely passing of Sister Mary Ignatius of Alpha Boys' Comprehensive High School was very shocking for me, as I last saw and spoke to sister while on my vacation to Jamaica in December, 2002. We talked a little and I handed her a Christmas gift I bought, especially for her. Sister then thanked me for remembering her. My response to sister was "Sister, you know that I could never forget you, you were and continue to be like a mother to me."
Sister Ignatius was a wonderful person who I believe was richly blessed. I thank God that I was given the privilege to be at Alpha and got to know her. She made a positive impact on my thinking and will be with me for the rest of my life.
I also recall one day, I was being auditioned for the band. As a young innocent child, I was not sure "which of those many brass, wooded and strange looking items I wanted to choose as my instrument". Sister Ignatius, with one good look at my long arms she said that "you're going to play the trombone, your arms seem quite long for it and you seem to be very tall for it as well". This was the best thing she did for me; within two years of being into the band I became a proficient trombone player. Some years later I ended up playing with and among the very best players Alpha has produced.
I joined the Jamaica Military Band and I also performed with the Philharmonic Orchestra. I later left the Army with an A3 musical standard. Thanks to Sister Ignatius and Alpha Boys'.
Sister Ignatius will be sadly missed not only by me but also by the many others whose lives she had positively impacted. It is my hope that a special memorial fund will be established in her honour, so that contributions can be made in order to assist in what Sister Ignatius believed in, "helping others". May God bless her soul and may she now rest in peace.
I am, etc.,
ROBERT CHAMBERS
337 Lewis Street
Somerset, NJ 08873
