Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Regional Coordinating Unit of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) at the University of the West Indies, I express condolence to the family of Mrs Faith Innerarity who passed away recently. Faith, a committed public servant, was a student in the IGDS and recently successfully defended her PhD thesis on "Gender and Social Protection in Jamaica".

Her examiners, and all present, were impressed by her spirited defence, her command of her subject matter and her courage in the face of her obvious illness. There were tears and there was celebration - all mixed together, but her farewell message to all of us at the end of the examination was inspiring. She may not be marching with the other graduates in November to collect her degree, but she is marching self-confidently into another experience (perhaps wearing one of her signature hats), and we will remember her with fondness. May her soul rest in peace and may those in power heed her call for rights and respect for the vulnerable in our society.

Prof Verene Shepherd

verene.shepherd@uwimona.edu.jm