HERBERT THOMPSON - Leader by reputation and example

THE EDITOR, Sir:

MY NOMINATION of Dr. Herbert Thompson is for the category of Education and Public Service. This is based on his role as president of Northern Caribbean University (NCU).

According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, Seventh-Day Adventists are the largest single religious grouping in Jamaica. What this means is that for about 10 per cent of the nation, there is a tremendous sense of accomplishment that can be felt with the steady growth that NCU has been experiencing since it has been chartered ­ the fact being that it is a university owned and operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Albeit that no one person can run a university, it does say something about its leadership, when a university, or any organisation, can attract the requisite expertise to achieve its goals. Dr. Thompson has shown himself to be such a leader.

As a leader, Dr. Thompson places himself in the battlefront. With his writing, two books published, and articles for the national newspapers, he enters the public debate on issues of national interest. This is what a university is obliged to do, as it seeks to provide leadership for those it serves. But not only does he write, he challenges the university workforce to write as well, to get involved.

In the arena of public speaking, Dr. Thompson continues to create waves. He is always, never less than eloquent and inspiring. His diction and fluency command full attention whenever he speaks. He also boasts an excellent vocabulary with which to package his usually useful ideas and philosophies.

As a mark of being nationally recognised for his positive image, as a prominent Christian leader with integrity, Dr. Thompson was asked to serve as an independent member of the Electoral Advisory Committee.

As president of Northern Carib-bean University, Dr. Thompson was placed in that position for such a time as this. He boasts the kind of profile that a university needs a president to, in addition to delivering positive leadership, also attract and inspire others with similar traits of leadership.

He also, not only gets NCU to do what it should, but makes it seen to be doing what it does. This role is imperative, as the image of being but a mere Theological Seminary trying to venture into other disciplines, in which it has no expertise, is being etched away for NCU. This will mean for its graduates, greater respect in the corporate world.

The documentary is by no means complete, but I trust that what has been said is sufficient to allow Dr. Herbert Thompson to gain the recognition and affirmation, as will be had from the 2003 Gleaner Honour Awards.

I am, etc.

Charles Evans

CLASP - Refuge of love for street people

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WOULD like to nominate the Clarendon Association for Street People (CLASP) for the 2003 Gleaner Honour Awards.

CLASP has been operating for nearly five years solely via contributions from good Samaritans.

Our core functions are to facilitate the provision of the rehabilitation of the mentally ill; specifically the street people. These functions are accomplished via triage with the Southern Regional Authority, Social Development Commis-sion and local churches.

The Southern Regional Authority provides the psychiatrist (Dr. Doreth Garvey) and mental health officers who conduct evaluations, offer counselling and medication.

CLASP has its clinical team headed by Nurse Practitioner Christine McPherson. This team has a counsellor who performs as needed.

We have participated in the rehabilitation of several mentally ill persons who have since returned home. Some of these clients include those who created eyesores in the business districts for decades, under the myth that 'nothing could be done'.

I am, etc.,

DAVID C. FAGAN

P. O. Box 83,

May Pen, Clarendon

WILMOT PERKINS - Fascinating talk show host and philosopher

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WOULD like to nominate Wilmot Perkins for The Gleaner's 'Man of the Year' award by virtue of his excellent performance in the category of education and public service.

I have read and listened to Mr. Perkins from I was a teenager attending Wolmer's Boys' School which is about 15 years ago. He has influenced me by teaching me the process of logical and critical thinking, as well as how the world functions on a whole. He has taught me that with a developed mind, there is practically no problem within reason that cannot be resolved. I have since met many people who share my experience and therefore he has had the influence of teaching, informing and educating the unwashed masses of which I am a part.

LIKE SOCRATES

I liken him to the great philosopher Socrates who spent much of his time educating the youths and challenging the authorities where he deems it necessary in search of knowledge and the truth. For this, I along with many other Jamaicans, are eternally grateful and hope that you will see it fit to bestow The Gleaner's 'Man of the Year' award upon this great philosopher.

KEVIN CAMPBELL

Florida, USA

DENNY KIEL - Man on a mission

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WISH to respectfully nominate Denny Kiel, co-ordinator for Mission Jamaica.

NOT A NATIVE JAMAICAN

I am sensitive to the fact that Mr. Kiel is not a native Jamaican. But he lives in Jamaica for many months each year. Perhaps you could create an additional category for volunteer efforts of that type. I have had the privilege of being part of a mission team during four separate years. We spent much of our time away from the usual resort areas living and working among our Jamaican neighbours. Mission participants come to feel a special connection with Jamaica and become its champions abroad.

I read the Gleaner On-line every day, sharing the joys and disappointments of every-day life.

WAYNE A. ARNOLD

Rice Lake (Wisconsin)

Public Defender

arnoldw@mail.opd.state.wi.us

NERRISA DALLAS - Lauding a good Samaritan

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I HEREBY nominate Matron Nerissa Dallas for your prestigious award. She is the principal of Hillview Practical Nursing School and Home.

Matron Dallas has provided jobs for a substantial number of her students and fed over 300 senior citizens in East Kingston.

I am, etc.

NEVILLE ATKINSON

18 Wattley Avenue