Five years have elapsed since the sudden passing of Martin Henry, a distinguished Gleaner columnist, astute public affairs commentator, and cherished colleague.

Henry, who dedicated three decades to journalism, tragically collapsed and died shortly after leaving the studios of Television Jamaica’s Prime Time News, where he had delivered a moving tribute to the late former Prime Minister Edward Seaga. Despite immediate transport to Medical Associates Hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. His untimely death deeply affected all who knew him, particularly his colleagues at the University of Technology, Jamaica, where he held the position of manager, projects and operations in the School of Graduate Studies, Research, and Entrepreneurship.

Inspired by a Mentor

Upon joining the then Department of Liberal Studies, now the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, I had the privilege of encountering Henry, whose quiet intensity at his desk was a familiar sight. As a long-standing admirer of his columns, I aspired to write like him.

Mustering my courage, I once interrupted his focused work to seek his guidance on writing for the newspaper, expressing my desire to contribute to the national dialogue on current affairs. His encouraging response, delivered with genuine enthusiasm, was, “If you have something of value to contribute, write it down and send it to the editor. If you don’t get a response, keep writing and keep sending. It took several rejected submissions to the editor before I was offered a space in the Jamaica Observer.”

Henry’s advice resonated deeply with me, it has shaped my approach to writing and fostered the perseverance necessary to share my voice with the nation and further afield. I continue to write columns because Martin wrote his.

‘Child Month blues in sunshine yellow’ (May 19, 2019)

In this poignant column, Henry questioned why the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation was further traumatising already highly traumatised children by having them participate in wreath-laying ceremonies at the Crying Child monument in downtown Kingston. He vividly described the scene: “Little children dressed in their Sunday best were called upon to march with long-stemmed red roses,” a sombre task that deeply affected both the children and the adults present. Henry criticised the monument itself, calling it “the most horrible monument in the entire country”, and highlighted the broader issue of the area’s degradation due to political and social neglect.

Henry underscored the immense emotional toll on the children, many of whom were grappling with the tragic deaths of their peers. He shared the heart-rending account of Yetanya Francis, a 14-year-old who was brutally murdered, and her mother’s, Latoya Riley, ongoing trauma. Henry argues that more space will be needed at the Secret Gardens monument unless significant improvements are made to protect the nation’s children. He called for broad and deep interventions to shield children from violence and advocated for a national priority to ensure the safety of young, poor men in volatile communities, believing this could significantly reduce overall crime and violence.

‘Crime and Demonic Forces’ (March 16, 2018)

Here, Henry explored the bold assertion by Colonel Daniel Pryce, of the Jamaica Defence Force West, that demonic forces were behind the rampant crime in St James. Pryce’s remarks, made during a prayer meeting, highlighted the need for a spiritual response to the crime wave, a sentiment previously echoed by several ministers of national security. Henry commended Pryce’s bravery, noting, “Aye, aye, Colonel! You are a brave man.”

He also discussed the involvement of gangs in occult practices and the historical context of political and cultural factors that have contributed to Jamaica’s crime problem. Henry believed that the vicious nature of these crimes signifies a deeper, spiritual issue.

Henry emphasised that real change requires moral leadership from the State. He called for a moral revolution, starting with leaders acknowledging their sins and setting an example. He underscored the critical roles of officials in St James, including Mayor Homer Davis and local Members of Parliament, in addressing these spiritual and moral issues.

Henry concluded that without a genuine shift in values and sustained efforts to combat these dark influences, crime will inevitably resurge once the state of emergency and military presence end.

‘Jamacia: the making of the Constitution’ (July 28, 2017)

Henry’s column ‘Jamaica 55: The making of the Constitution’ provided a detailed account of the process used to draft Jamaica’s Constitution in 1962. He emphasised the active participation of Jamaican legislators in crafting the constitution, contrary to the myth that it was a British imposition.

The column highlighted the bipartisan collaboration that took place, with significant figures in Jamaican politics at the time, like Florizel Glasspole, Edward Seaga, and David Coore, playing pivotal roles. Henry quoted Glasspole, who said, “The challenge of the new era of Independence can only be met by dedicated leadership and a resolute, loyal, hard-working people, understanding what is required of them.” This reflected the spirit of dedication and unity that was necessary for the successful creation of the constitution

Henry also shed light on the swift and decisive actions taken by the Jamaican Government following the referendum against the West Indies Federation. Within days, steps were taken to establish a working party to prepare for Independence and a delegation, led by Premier Norman Manley, went to London to discuss the procedures for achieving Independence.

The constitution, influenced by centuries of British law, was ultimately a product of Jamaican determination and effort. As Henry put it, “Ten days short of five months from referendum on September 19, 1961 to Independence Agreement on February 9, 1962, with a constitution in place, prepared by Jamaicans for Jamaicans”, showcasing the intense period of national effort.

As we reflect on the wisdom and passion of Henry, his columns continue to serve as a beacon of truth and moral clarity. He reminded us of the complex interplay between societal issues and deeper spiritual forces, urging us to confront not only the symptoms but the roots of our national crises. Henry’s legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to justice, his call for moral leadership, and his belief in the power of informed discourse.

As we honour Martin Henry’s memory, let us commit to carrying forward his mission to speak truth to power, to advocate for the vulnerable, and to strive for a society grounded in integrity and compassion. In doing so we ensure that his voice, though silent, continues to resonate in our collective conscience.

Dr Henry Lewis Jr is an associate professor at University of Technology, Jamaica, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He is also a social scientist and executive life coach. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or hjlewis@utech.edu.jm.