Dear Editor,

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Professor Ralston “Rex” Nettleford, a very bright shining star from Cornwall College, the school on the hill beside the sea. It was on the CC campus that I met the distinguished professor when he addressed our school’s prize-giving ceremony in the 1970s. Many of us Cornwallians who listened in awe to Professor Nettleford’s speech still remember his inspiring lines which convinced us that we could achieve much through hard work, and we are still motivated to excel because of that unique oratorial gem.

The meteoric rise of this international genius from the hills of CC to the academic and socio-political portals of the world is well recorded, especially in the myriad tributes since his sad passing. All Cornwallians are grateful to Professor Nettleford for setting the bar of achievement so high above the stars. Rex, as his “nickname” suggests, was not only king of the Cornwall College hill but a royal son of Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world. Many mortals miss him and mourn his transition. Quiescat in pace, Rex.

Rev Dr Mervin Stoddart

INMerv@hotmail.com