JAMAICA Observer online readers have taken the Government to task over its treatment of respected educator Rev Glen Archer who died from a massive stroke. Archer had been battling chronic kidney disease for approximately two-and-a-half years before he died. Attempts were made to raise funds for his treatment, however, during his thanksgiving service at the Ardenne High School, Kingston, on Sunday, friends and relatives made it known that Archer died a broken man over the lack of help from “the powers that be”. Here are some edited comments:

Neutral Justice

Glen, we know how self-serving these bonehead politicians can be; they have failed you because you did not use your educational platform to promote their tribal politics. Again I will repeat, the Jamaican government has one of the worst records, internationally, when it comes to treating its citizens well. There is nothing, I mean nothing, compelling that any successive Jamaican government has done locally or overseas for its beleaguered citizens. So sorry Glen, I am so sorry. Rest in heavenly peace, my esteemed friend. May God caress your beautiful soul, even in death you have displayed national dignity.

zed

The politicians don’ want any bright minds in Jamaica. That’s why the bright minds are denied opportunities in Jamaica or, in this case, allowed to suffer. Some Jamaicans have to go to another country if they ever want the chance to make something of themselves. Brain drain. The result is, the politicians grow old and take the country to the grave with them. …Where was the prime minister when Mr Archer needed support? Idling, idling, idling.

Ellydeedo

This is very sad: More could have been done but it was never done. His country failed him. Well, I know your soul will rest in peace, Mr Archer. Our Problem is the fact that we do not have an honest government: what we have from 1962 until today in Jamaica is a disorganised bunch of failed political opportunists.

Andrea Lewis

Rest in peace, Mr Archer. Jamaica let us all down .

Naw-Change-Course

@Andrea Lewis: Our beautiful and God-blessed country has never let one single person down. It is failed and cartoon politicians, whom we elect to manage and run our affairs, who have failed us miserably. We also failed ourselves by repeatedly re-electing failed, inept and incompetent politicians. Jamaica is like a Greek tragic story.

chrisporter

That’s why I left! These boasty slaves, all they care about is power! The man brought so much joy to Jamaica, yet he died for wants. If he were a don, he would certainly get help; that’s the Jamaica we have gotten accustomed to. …Reverend Archer, you have done your best, sleep well.

mooney65

@Yadda: I may be wrong but I haven’t heard from Jody Ann Maxwell who won the spelling bee in the USA under his tutelage.

jayjayja

No surprises here, and the reason I will never put country above myself and my family, not for Jamaica, NEVER!

Had Rev been a politician, he would have been airlifted overseas for treatment.

AS I SEE IT

May his soul rest in continuous peace. Had Mr Archer been a high-profile politician or minister, he would have been getting the best treatment wherever in the world it can be found. In Jamaica, only the league of the policitians are considered to be sacred. Yet, everything they put their hands on turns to destruction.

Matlock2

Yep, this country is known to forget the people who served. Unless you are a politician, no one gives a damn about you. It is so sad.

Aldene911

This is no surprise to me. My mom, after serving for over 35 years at a public school in Clarendon, was not even given a certificate on her retirement. RIP Mr Archer.

sharon ewars

You have to be a politician or their family, Chinese or US citizen, or special interest group for this not to happen to you.

fieldgar

Jamaica has been failing its people for years, but many have not been highlighted as in Rev Archer’s case. The Observer has been able to rescue a few by publicising their plight, but too many are still falling through the crevices. Many of these sad stories of neglect only surface when it serves as an opportunistic photo op for self-serving politicians.

CRICKET

How must the authority step up when members of this cartel are too individualistic feathering their nests.

chettigan

Those who are young and healthy think it’s OK, tek sick a yard an see how well u all be treated

Crucial

I think everyone involved failed him. I saw so many persons who could have done even the very minimal who attended his funeral or sent messages. What about his family? Well, one lesson I have learnt, never turn down one opportunity for this country. Nobody would care anyway!

chikV2Ebola

If you don’t have the money to fly out to Miami when you are sick, “dawg nyam yu suppa”!

D.Blackham

May his soul rest in peace. But no wonder so many young Jamaicans in the recent survey said they would give up their Jamaican citizenship at the drop of a pin to another country if the opportunity arises. The sad thing is many persons who contributed to Jamaica being in its current ruined state, are held in high esteem. While persons who sacrificed their lives for the development of Jamaica are treated so shabbily by our country.

JRWW

Such a pity. RIP Rev Archer. Your days on earth were unforgettable and now you shall shine in heaven.

CarolJ

It was real shocking news of Reverend Archer’s death because I didn’t know he was sick. I do believe most persons who would have assisted were unaware of his situation.

Kboo

I feel heartbroken reading this… sigh a million times.

noshel

Didn’t he know that’s what politicians do, they suck your life out of you, and replenish not? Mr Archer will live on long after his body returns to the earth, while politicians will be asking to be remembered.

Stafford

One would have thought the Ardene High School fraternity, with luminaries such as Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, would have come to his aid in his time of need. People on FB would have rallied to his cause if someone had said something.

general69

The former prime minister Patterson left the country in bad shape; he has not taken the country into the 21st century… I am ashamed how they treat this giant. RIP.

johnnykool

The PNP Government will only give him a posthumous award for his contribution in the field of Education, OJ or OD.

Holy Perv

RIP Teacher, may your good works live on in your most humble students and in their children’s children. Thanks for the excellent advice and support over the years. Thanks for affirming our belief in the everlasting almighty God and his commandments. Death is never the end; only a necessary transition. Only the unrighteous fear death and the judgement. I thank the Lord for loaning you to us. It is very evident that Jamaica no longer deserves you.

DANE

Thank God I left Jamaica. As a Jamaican living in South America, life could not have been better for me. I tried my best to build my life in Jamaica but I could not get anywhere.

Mid30s

There lies a true Jamaican. You, politicians, take note of what it means to love this country, you would do well to pay attention!

kgn 13 yute

We must all learn from this.