Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

Former Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Barry Wint, has died.

He passed away on Thursday night at the National Chest Hospital in St. Andrew after a period of illness.

Dr. Wint, who served as CMO at the ministry between 1992 and 2006, was recently awarded the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, for his contribution to the local health sector.

He also served as health adviser to the CARICOM Secretariat from 1998-2000 after being seconded by the Government of Jamaica.

Minister of Health Horace Dalley described Dr. Wint as one of the most quiet persons that one could ever find.

"He was one of the most influential and élite persons that walked ... He had a calm and authoritative voice that kept things at a level," Mr. Dalley said.

Humble and unassuming

Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, acting CMO in the Health Ministry, remembers Dr. Wint as a humble and unassuming person who had great concern for the eye care of the people of Jamaica.

And Dr. Sandra Knight, medical doctor with the Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care programme, described Dr. Wint as a man of sophisticated elegance and depth.

He was remembered by the National Health Fund as "a quiet giant who had a wealth of knowledge about public health issues in Jamaica and the Caribbean and was always willing to share his wisdom and valuable insight."

A stalwart in the medical field, Dr. Wint served as honorary lecturer in the Department of Community Health at the University of the West Indies since 1999. He also served as a consultant with the Pan American Health Organisation, United Nations Children's Fund, and the Center for Disease Control.

He served on several boards and organisations including the Medical Association of Jamaica, Medical Council of Jamaica, Central Health Committee. He was chairman of the Quarantine Authority and board member of the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Dr. Wint is survived by his wife and two daughters.