A town in shock

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

Mandeville residents mourn, condemn murder of radiologist

THE TOWN of Mandeville is mourning the loss of one of their prized medical professionals, radiologist Dr Phillip Chamberlain, who was brutally murdered at his office in Mandeville on Saturday night. His death comes on the heels of the murder of Mandeville-based medical doctor Clinton Lewis last month.

Chamberlain was stabbed to death at his business place at Mandeville Radiology and Imaging Service (MRIS), located at Cobblestone Professional Centre, 1 Brumalia Road, on Saturday.

As the police continue their manhunt for the perpetrator(s), residents and close friends of Chamberlain have come out strongly in condemning the murder of the man who many saw as one of the best in his field.

Several members of the medical fraternity, along with residents of Mandeville, gathered at the scene of the crime hours after the murder in disbelief.

Dr Peter Wellington, retired senior medical officer (Mandeville Hospital), evidently shaken by the murder of Chamberlain, said that Mandeville has lost a great man. "This is a great loss, he was a good person, you could call for him anytime of the night and he would come out and help you," Wellington said.

"He was one of the best in the business; he did all the procedures. He was a pioneer in his own way as he started off the first independent radiology facility in Mandeville (MRIS),"

Wendy Freckleton, Manchester Chamber of Commerce president, said, "We are saddened by the loss of Manchester's noted radiologist, Dr Chamberlain. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. We urge Superintendent (Lacelles) Taylor and his team to move swiftly and thoroughly with their investigation to prosecute those responsible for this heinous act."

Freckleton said that the loss of Chamberlain has left a vacuum in the medical fraternity in Manchester.

John Junor, former member of parliament for Central Manchester, a very close friend of Chamberlain, said he was saddened by the death of his friend.

"It is very regrettable; he was one of Jamaica's best sons," Junor said. "He was an innovator in bringing new technology in medical diagnostic services. Sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Up to press time, the Mandeville police could not confirm the motive behind the killing of Chamberlain, but reliable sources told The Gleaner that a metal box containing money was missing from Chamberlain's office.

Chamberlain was seen as one of the most experienced and efficient radiologist operating in Jamaica. He was also noted for his kindness and willingness to help others.

It was this kind-hearted nature of Chamberlain that many persons, who gathered at the crime scene shortly after the news spread of his murder, spoke highly about.

A member of the medical fraternity who was at the crime scene described Chamberlain as a good man. "He was so kind. If a person didn't have all the money for his or her examination, he wouldn't turn them away but take whatever they had," the medical person, who asked to remain anonymous, said. "He was one of the best in his field. He did all the procedures by himself, as well as the reports which were consistently of high quality."

Chamberlain attended Howard University in the United States, along with politicians John Junor, K.D. Knight and the late Dr Percival Broderick.

He worked for many years in the US and then returned to Jamaica where he was one of the principals of the Kingston Radiology. He later relocated to Mandeville to set up MRIS, which has been operating for over a decade.