YOU know the joy of unexpected rain on a hot day. We felt that when we gathered for the 75th birthday of an icon of the nursing profession, Syringa Marshall-Burnett. There we were, deep in national crisis, when we were reminded of the genuinely great in our midst — a lady who has blazed a trail of goodwill across the world.

Syringa Marshall-Burnett has served in nursing as she has in politics, purely out of love for her fellowman and her country. There is really only one way to measure a person’s worth and that is how they use their God-given talents for the advancement of others. As one of her admirers commented, Syringa does not know how to say “no”. She is simply one of the most intelligent, generous and reliable persons on the planet.

And the planet loves her back. As an external examiner in nursing to the University of Nairobi, Syringa helped their BScN programme to become a reality. As visiting lecturer to the University of Botswana Department of Nursing, she spearheaded their very first annual research day. She has served on the UN’s World Health Organisation Expert Committee on Nursing for eight years and was elected a member of the International Council of Nurses, (ICN, Geneva) for eight years, chairing the ICN/3 M International Scholarship Committee.

The St Mary-born Syringa was bright beyond her years, passing her Third Year Exams at such a tender age that she was too young to enter nursing, though academically qualified. Once she graduated from the KPH School of Nursing, she excelled at the University of Toronto and New York University, acquiring a double-major Master’s Degree in adult mental health and nursing education, along with certificates in public health. Returning to Jamaica, she obtained a diploma in management studies at UWI.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Marshall-Burnett became an activist for the nursing profession, eventually becoming president of the Nurses Association of Jamaica. Her colleagues Merill Hanson, Leleka Champagnie and Rupertia Smith recall that she was an awesome negotiator, countering arguments with laser-like precision.

Marshall-Burnett has been the nurse’s nurse, intrepidly ensuring the professional advancement of her colleagues. Serving at the UWI first as tutor in the Advanced Nursing Education Unit (ANEU), and later as senior lecturer and director/ head of the Department of Advanced Nursing Education (DANE), she successfully defended the retention of departmental status in the restructuring of the faculty.

To increase the number of young persons entering the nursing profession, she participated actively in the expansion of the Kingston School of Nursing to Bellevue and Cornwall Schools of Nursing.

Syringa introduced the BScN programme on the Mona Campus and its first franchise to the Brown’s Town Community College, breaking new ground in nursing education and in the university. It was Syringa who initiated the discussions to formally franchise the EXED Community College Nursing Programme and transfer the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) School of Nursing to the UWI BScN programme.

“Syringa is blessed with an abundance of grey matter,” comments her relative Karlene Robertson. No wonder she placed emphasis on the research output of the Department of Advanced Nursing Education, with three nurse researchers receiving Faculty prizes for the quality of their research.

As a champion of nursing, Syringa has ensured that the local heroes of her profession receive their full honour. She is an authority on Jamaica’s world-famous Mary Seacole, who bravely served in Europe during the Crimean War and was celebrated in England.

She recommended to the UWI and received approval to honour Dr Mary J Seivwright, by designating the building which houses Nursing Education in her name.

After Syringa initiated a unique centre at UWI, it was renamed fittingly, ‘The Syringa Marshall-Burnett World Health Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education’.

The septuagenarian’s intellect is undimmed, and she continues to lecture part-time, having served as a member of Faculty and University Committees including; the Faculty’s Board and its Research Day Committee, West Indies Medical Journal, Curriculum, Admission, Mona Academic Board, Mona Campus Council and University Senate.

In recognition of her contribution, the Government of Jamaica has conferred on her the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, appointed her a Senator with the elevation to President in 1995 from which she retired in 2006, and appointed her a Justice of the Peace.

At the heart-warming 75th birthday party for Syringa, we saw that beyond the academic achievements, she is a loving wife, mother, grandmother, relative and friend. Syringa’s cousin Basil Toy Loy, writing from Shanghai, applauded her ascent to “the pinnacle of public service” and Ossie Welch described her as “a force of nature … someone who speaks truth to power and stands for right, for principle”. Retired Chief Justice Ian Forte spoke of her deep loyalty to family and friends.

Aloun Ndombet-Assamba said she had been learning at Syringa’s feet, and “marvels at her energy”. Step-daughter Jacquie thanked Syringa for inculcating in her a commitment to education while husband Jasper, even as he warmed us with his humour, reflected on this amazing lady whom he is blessed to call his wife.

In her stately manner, Syringa Marshall-Burnett quoted the late poet, philosopher and UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold, saying her aim was “that my whole life may become an instrument for that which is greater than I”. Syringa’s shining life of service should inspire in us a strong resolve to nurture our people, so that we may never again reach this depth of disgrace in our country.

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com