Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Former Minister of Health John Junor (left) and his wife Urla chat with his successor, Horace Dalley, at 'An Evening of Appreciation for John A. Junor', hosted by the ministry, at the UDC Poolside, Oceana Building, King Street, downtown Kingston, on Thursday, April 27. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THEY CAME to praise John, not to crucify him. Former Minister of Health, John Junor, was the toast of his former colleagues on Thursday, April 27, as they said farewell to the man who was their boss between 1998 and this year.
Dr. Ernest Pate, the local PAHO/WHO representative, spoke of Junor's excellent grasp of health issues, which he joked made it difficult for him to convince persons that Junor wasn't a doctor by profession.
REMARKABLE LEADER
Dr. Patricia Holness, who spoke on behalf of the agencies of the Ministry of Health, hailed him as a remarkable leader. His work with the HIV/AIDS project and the establishment of the National Health Fund were among his achievements that were lauded.
The highlight of the evening was a music and speech presentation from a group calling themselves 'The Thespians' who held a 'church service' complete with sermon and hymns. Songs to the tunes of popular hymns/spirituals were all transformed into farewells for Junor. As the 'preacher read out his achievements, there were occasional shouts of 'Amen' from the 'congregation. Each one gave him a big hug before exiting.
After hearing many words of commendation for him, Junor in turn commended the dedicated staff that supported him. He attributed the successes in the health industry to the work of both governments before he even got the post. He opined that "Health is one area that must not have political divide." He joked that he and Dalley always ended up on the same team.
As one guest said, maybe he could continue with the ministry in his capacity as a lawyer. Everybody needs a lawyer at some point, right?
