Jamaican-born doctor bats for organ transplant unit
ROCK, Trelawny – Dr Vaughn Whittaker, a Jamaican-born transplant surgeon based in the United States, has said that the time has come for Jamaica to have a functional transplant unit where patients with end-organ deceases such as kidney or liver failure, can be given an organ transplant.
“I believe that we in Jamaica have the potential to have a functional transplant unit. Trinidad and Tobago has one. Are they any brighter than we are? Are they any more sophisticated than we are? No, I don’t believe so,” he said.
“The people of Bahamas have this, the people in Puerto Rico has this; so I believe that we as Jamaicans we should have it,” Dr Whittaker said, adding that he is prepared to work with “whoever” to establish such a programme.
The Bounty Hall, Trelawny native cited a number of benefits he said kidney transplant patients have over those on dialysis.
He was speaking at the recently held dinner of appreciation for retired principal of the Bounty Hall Primary School in Trelawny, Juliet Moncrieffe, at the Glistening Waters Restaurant at Rock, in the parish.
Dr Whittaker is a past student of the Bounty Hall Primary School where Moncrieffe served as principal between 2006 and 2009.
During the well-attended function there were glowing tributes for Moncrieffe, who received a Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education in 2005, from several players in the education sector.
Board Chairman Desmond Leaky, who lauded the outstanding educator in his tribute, pointed out that Moncrieffe had “worked tirelessly to teach the many children who entered the doors of the school”.
“Children must be given the opportunity to learn regardless of their background. It is also a great teacher who will do whatever it takes to facilitate their learning development. Miss Moncrieffe exemplifies being one such individual, having taught so many children who have gone on to achieving much success in various fields,” said Leaky.
“As a principal Miss Moncrieffe obviously played a significant role in inspiring her colleagues and staff alike,” Leaky said.
Moncrieffe thanked everyone for recognising her service.
“With all of me, I say thank you. I feel appreciated. I feel humbled as I stand here. To God be the glory,” Moncrieffe said.
