By Daviot Kelly, Staff ReporterTHE UNIVERSITY of the West Indies Alumni Association (UWIAA) bestowed another Pelican Award on one of its own on Wednesday night.
Dr. Donald Edward Christian, CD, had his name added to the relatively small list of persons to hold the Pelican. Some may feel that his turn should have come sooner. Dr. Christian was the second youngest member of the first batch of medical students at the then University College of the West Indies.
Unaware of the happenings inside the Blue Room at the UWI Visitor's Lodge, one might think it was comedy night. Dr. Knox Hagley, in his tribute to his friend, detailed the good doctor's prowess with the ladies (especially the nurses), his lack of prowess in sports and of course, his tremendous work.
The 'Don' was further 'grilled' by Dr. Barrow, the acting CEO of the University Hospital. Doctor Barrow got them giggling from the time he pointed out that the hospital where Christian was born closed down soon after (coincidence?). He took it up a notch when he related that an old schoolmaster threatening to eat his hat if Christian passed chemistry.
FATHER OF MODERN
CARDIOLOGY
Jokes aside, you were left knowing about the man and his achievements. He was lauded as the father of modern cardiology, a man who hated sloth, a speaker with superior wit and a person who had a strong belief in being his brother's keeper.
After enduring playful 'disses' and accolades for about an hour, the good doctor, showing no shakiness even at 73, 'forgave' his colleagues for their words. He thanked the UWIAA for giving him the award at this stage of his life and recalled the old days. On probably the only solemn note of the night, Dr. Christian dedicated his award to the 32 other students who were in that first batch with him, 13 of whom have passed away.
The Pelican Award is given to a graduate of the UWI who has contributed greatly to the development of the university or has contributed to Jamaica. Other persons who have received the Pelican include Sir George Alleyne (1978), Marjorie Whylie (1993), and the very first recipient of the award in 1966, Professor Kenneth Magnus.
