Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson has approved a recommendation to rename the regional delivery suite at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in memory of Dr Barry Dixon who was killed by gunmen at his home two Saturdays ago.

In response to the suggestion by Dr Delroy Fray, the suite will be named, the 'Barry Dixon Delivery Suite'.

Ferguson on Friday used the funeral service for Dixon to announce that he has already given the go-ahead to the hospital's administrator.

"The medical profession and Jamaica's health service has lost one of its finest sons, but his reputation as a physician and stellar humanist cannot be dimmed by any gunman's bullet," said Ferguson as he paid tribute to the man who served for 27 years as senior medical officer at the renowned Montego Bay facility.

Shot during robbery

Dixon was shot during a robbery at his home in Spring Gardens, St James, Saturday, September 1, at about 1:00 a.m. He died at the hospital where he has delivered thousands of children in the last 35 years.

"We are all the poorer without his brilliant, deductive, analytical and clinical skills, which he willingly dispensed," remarked Ferguson as he lauded the doctor credited for reducing the prenatal mortality figures in the island.

More than 1,000 persons from all walks of life turned out for the funeral service at the St James Parish Church last Friday morning.

Selfless dedication

From the mourners came the unanimous view that they were there to pay their respect to the man known for his selfless dedication to the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

"Dr Dixon must be further credited with the building of the obstetrics and gynaecology practice in western Jamaica," said Ferguson, adding that Dixon cared for all patients equally and displayed humility and selflessness in so doing.

Dr Delroy Fray, who revealed the goodly doctor was not only a friend, but a mentor, spoke with compassion of a man who cared for patients without a hint of reservation.

"He has surpassed the expectations of even his greatest critic and deserves to be lauded for many years to come.

"Today humanity weeps at the loss of such an invaluable life," said Fray, while cautioning the audience to not burden themselves with the unbearable weight of anger or toxic bitterness on the matter.

"Let us not hate the men who did this inhumane act, but instead pray that his vindication is not in keeping with their crime, for they know not what they have done."

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com