Dear Editor,

Please permit me to pay tribute to a loving and dedicated Jamaican woman who used her life to make other lives better across our beloved country.

Mrs Enid Golding, who we will lay to rest today, has made an invaluable contribution to the nation. It is difficult to refer to her in the past, but she was that special kind of woman with a gentle touch, kindness of spirit, and was strong and empowered.

She also had an outstanding career in education. Mrs Golding was the consummate teacher — the kind who treated her students with kindness and attention. Today, the thousands who were touched by Mrs Golding at Ginger Ridge Elementary, Watermount Elementary, Alpha Academy, St Andrew High and Old Harbour Junior Secondary (now Old Harbour High) will remember the difference that she made in their lives.

Many others, who although they never sat in one of her classes, will remember the lessons she was able to impart through the high school textbooks on Geography and West Indian History that she co-wrote.

Mrs Golding was known for her commitment to her students, communities and her family. She was a fine homebuilder who moulded a family that has contributed to the political, social and economic development of Jamaica. She was the life partner and main supporter of Jamaica’s first Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Tacius Golding. And she has been an example, and a guide to Prime Minister Bruce Golding and her other children — Douglas Golding, the former member of parliament for West St Catherine; and Dr Trevor Golding, radiologist.

This is a very difficult time for Prime Minister Golding and the rest of the family. I just want them to know my thoughts and my heart are with them. I also want them to know that we recognise Mrs Golding’s mark, the outstanding example that she was to all, and the difference that she made to our country.

Olivia Grange

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture with responsibility for Women’s and Gender Affairs