OUR daughter was lovingly cared for at the newborn special care unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies under the watchful eyes of Sister Heather Davis. That was over 20 years ago, but indications are that conditions in the unit, and at our public hospitals in general, have deteriorated since then. For there to have been such a delayed response to the bacterial infections which took the lives of 18 babies, as outlined in a TVJ news report, is distressing.

When he bravely pursued and implemented the ban against smoking in public places, I developed quite a soft spot for Health Minister Fenton Ferguson. If only his ministry had applied the same focus to the reporting systems in our health facilities, perhaps we would not now have so many grieving families. We understand from ministry officials that the klebsiella and serratia bacteria occur in health facilities worldwide, even in developed countries and that the babies who succumbed suffered from other health issues. However, for 18 babies to die and a total of 42 reported to have been infected in five short months is an alarming statistic.

A letter carried in last Friday’s Jamaica Observer over the pen name “I Know” outlines serious allegations. The writer describes him/herself as “a professional employed to the Ministry of Health”, and states that “as far back as July/August doctors and nurses at the University Hospital of the West Indies and other hospitals raised concerns about infections. I also know for a fact that a meeting was held at the Ministry of Health in July/August on infection control issues… The repeat use of disposables must also be a big part of the crisis.” Is this true?

The writer states, “Nobody gets promoted fairly anymore. It’s all politics. It seems they all cover for each other.” However, another worker at the Ministry of Health had described Minister Ferguson to me as “refreshing in his approach” just after he assumed office, and that he had kept on staff hired under the JLP Administration.

Ministry of Health officials should know that not only the public, but also their international partners are watching, and that it is best to reveal even the most painful truths so that we can look forward to better protection of the precious lives of our children in particular, and the public in general.

What gives

at Adoption Board?

My Canadian friend Francine Belliveau, whose story was featured in the media, learned last week that her second appeal in her efforts to adopt baby Areanna was thrown out by the Adoption Board. Three years ago Francine had high hopes of adopting a baby boy, but this was rejected by the Adoption Board, which told her she had not adhered to the proper process. As she mourned a loss, a worker at the hotel where she was a guest said one of her co-workers was pregnant for the sixth time and had mentioned that she wanted to give the baby up for adoption. Francine was introduced to her and the woman was happy that this child would have a secure home in Canada.

After the baby girl was born, Francine arranged for her to stay at a loving home until the papers were processed. Lo and behold, when the child was just over a year old, she was taken away from the home crying and screaming and placed in a children’s home. Francine’s application was rejected and the child remains in the institution.

I can only pray that the conditions at that home are better than those in which my baby boy lived for five long weeks before we were allowed to take him home while his adoption was being finalised. That Primrose Place of Safety, which was condemned shortly afterwards, was a disgrace. The disposable diapers, formula and even the medication prescribed for my baby were stolen by the workers and, after repeated replacement of these supplies, I would find him in unspeakably unhygienic conditions.

And so, the Adoption Board has seen it fit to remand baby Areanna in a children’s home while her carefully decorated nursery in Canada remains empty. I am appealing to the prime minister, the minister in charge of the Adoption Board, and all the relevant authorities to right this wrong that has affected not only my friend Francine, but many other non-Jamaicans who have been left frustrated after attempting to adopt Jamaican children. Please give baby Areanna a chance to live the good life she deserves.

Climate Change is real

The fast development of Hurricane Patricia is a reminder that climate change is real and that it can be addressed if we are more environmentally conscious in our homes, communities, and businesses. When we consider the size and strength of a category five hurricane, and the damage done by Hurricane Gilbert to Jamaica at category three, we should be taking simple and cost-effective steps handed down from our grandparents to help slow these changes:

* Use more fresh produce to minimise garbage

* Separate plastics and take them to recycling centres

* Use shopping bags instead of plastic bags

* Conserve on energy by carpooling and going solar

We’re looking forward to a presentation by Jamaica’s Nobel Laureate Professor Anthony Chen next Tuesday evening at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Barbican Road, entitled ‘Lao Tsu’s Prescription for Climate Change’. Prof Chen notes, “The main theme of the lecture will be the vital importance of the upcoming United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention Conference of the Parties to be held in Paris from November 30, 2015 to December 11, 2015 to save the planet Earth as we know it.”

He says the Chinese sage of 6th century BC had important advice on climate change — very interesting!

Munro College honorees

Munro College recently inducted into their Hall of Fame the late Dr Louis Aston Marantz Simpson, World War II hero, teacher, and Pulitzer-winning poet; the late Ronald George Sturdy, Rhodes scholar, World War II hero, tennis star, and attorney-at-law. The inductees who are alive are John A Ewen, PhD, for his discoveries and inventions in the field of metallocene catalysis, which has revolutionised the production of polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, earning him the highest US honour for technological innovation; Major General Robert Neish, for his service to the Jamaica Defence Force as well as for his service to welfare and philanthropic causes; Hon Burchell Whiteman for his service to education, especially as founding principal of the Brown’s Town Community College, and in politics as minister of government, and high commissioner to London.

When we consider these fine Jamaicans and the over 90 others given national honours last Monday, we should cherish and work to preserve the foundation they have bequeathed.

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com