Dear Editor,

I read with pride and happiness the Jamaica Observer feature on Matron Devon Williams, who has given 41 years of service to the Bellevue Hospital, published on Sunday, January 8.

It is remarkable and absolutely commendable that a man who could have easily earned far more in other fields of endeavour locally or in the same field overseas chose to dedicate his entire professional life towards mental health patients.

To make a sacrifice of this magnitude Matron Williams has to have a special love for the mentally ill. As a mental health patient for over 20 years, I know for a fact that patients who are suffering from some form of psychosis or experiencing a psychotic episode can be very mean-spirited and disrespectful to our mental health practitioners and caregivers like Matron Williams. Our illness, if not under control, can cause us to be aggressive and abusive to the people who love and care for us. It takes a special type of person with a special heart to serve in mental health. Matron Williams would have been likely attacked and cursed at by the patients he cared for during his 41 years of service.

However, despite the dangers and challenges of the work environment Matron Williams got up, dressed up, and showed up for 41 years with love and deep devotion. I am inspired by Matron Williams’ contribution to the field of mental health and psychiatric care in Jamaica.

On behalf of all the mentally ill people in Jamaica, I want to raise a toast to Matron Williams and thank him for his love and service towards the community of the mentally ill and the Bellevue Hospital in particular. As you prepare to go off on retirement, I urge the management, patients, and staff to give you a send-off befitting a king. The word is always love.

Andre A O Wellington

Mental health patient and advocate

andrewellington344@yahoo.com