Dear Editor,

I write to thank Shalman Scott for his excellent, elucidating article on Father Coombs in the Jamaica Observer on Sunday, May 6, 2018, entitled ‘A G S Coombs fought fiercely for MoBay, Jamaica’.

History and politics have not given this heroic stalwart the credit that is due to him. In this paper, and also in your competitor, I have written letters about A G S Coombs to adjust errors and clarify misstatements.

I lived no more than two blocks from Father Coombs and had to pass his house to attend the elementary school in Anchovy, which his children also attended. On numerous occasions I travelled in “Old Bessie” to attend Cornwall College in Montego Bay. “Old Bessie” was that black, dome-shaped car that Father Coombs owned.

I was there when Father Coombs opened the Anchovy Post Office. At the end of the short ceremony, in that great strong voice that commanded attention, Father Coombs said, “I have to go and wet my whistle.” The post office was a great physical improvement to the postal service to Anchovy and to the surrounding villages. It stands out, even today, after so many years, and has served the community well.

I stand educated by Scott’s history of Father Coombs’ social activity regarding the Bank of Nova Scotia. It was at this bank that we, students of Cornwall College, had to pay our school fees. I remember well that my headmaster informed me that he had sent my name to Nova Scotia, suggesting that the bank at least consider me for a job. I am sure the headmaster did so based on the quality of my pass in the Senior Cambridge Exams. Never will I forget that Nova Scotia sent me a telegram to attend an interview. Never will I forget that I turned up for the interview. There was no interview. After waiting and sending several messages to some secretary, a man with a different hue and accent came out and told me there was no vacancy.

Thanks, Shalman Scott, for your contribution to my education and to history. I still maintain that the People’s National Party has not done the best for Father Coombs. I advocated that a memorial be made for Father A G S Coombs in Anchovy. It could be in the form of a park or playground with the appropriate citation. After all, A G S Coombs lived in Anchovy for many years. We all knew “Miss B”, his wife, and the children who went to school in that community.

I still remember the first time I saw Norman Washington Manley. It was on the verandah of Father Coombs’ house. I was in my neighbour’s guava tree, across the road, looking in awe at the great Manley.

Louis Alexander Hemans

Hyattsville, MD, USA

lahemans@aol.com