Dear Editor,

The cartoon by Clovis published in the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 was most unfortunate to put it mildly.

One recognises that in order to be funny or to make a political statement cartoonists usually depict exaggerations of events in the news. However, the cartoon showing the doctor greedily counting his money from private practice while patients die does a great disservice to the many doctors and nurses giving yeoman service in our public hospitals, working long hours with limited resources.

As one who recently benefited from these services at the University Hospital of the West Indies as an inpatient and outpatient, I can testify to the dedication and professionalism of the cadre of medical staff operating at that facility.

While the recent events surrounding the unfortunate deaths of patients at the Spanish Town Hospital are regretable and demonstrate lapses in the system, staffing being one of them, it is grossly unfair to suggest that this is as a result of greedy doctors feeding their private practices.

Clovis should remember that “a picture paints a thousand words” and many readers will be influenced by the cartoons. He should recognise his responsibility and try not to denigrate while attempting to be funny.

By the way, his little “bang belly” character has become corny and he should find some other representation of the public.

Paul Thorbourne

anthorpaul@gmail.com