Dr Grace Allen Young: Committed Christian, public servant

The Kingston Chapter of the Lay Magistrates Association has joined several other public persons in extending regrets at the recent death of Dr Grace Allen Young, former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health.

President of the Kingston chapter, Errol Greene, described Allen Young as an eminent civil servant who was the epitome of professionalism and one who served Jamaica with distinction. She served in different positions in the Ministry of Health and was at one time the chief pharmacist of Jamaica.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who had earlier expressed condolences to Allen Young's family, said she brought her Christian principles to her profession. She was a lay preacher in Coke Circuit of Methodist Churches and also served as a member of the executive of the Methodist Lay Preachers Association.

Succumbing to cancer

Allen Young died last Thursday after succumbing to cancer.

The Government benefited in the early days from having an administrator who was also a medical professional at the helm of the Ministry of Health. The Government's programme that is currently allowing health-care workers to upgrade their skills and qualify to be pharmacists in the public service started under her stewardship," said Golding.

Allen Young had a distinguished profession as a pharmacist. She served as head of the Pharmaceutical Services from 1991-1999 and was the Ministry of Health's permanent secretary from 2001-2010.

Allen Young was a graduate of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (now University of Technology) and held bachelor's degrees in pharmacy from Bath University, England, and management studies from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. She also held a postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy from the Queen's University of Belfast as well as a master of science degree in government from UWI.

Allen Young also served as president of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association.

A past student and deputy head girl of Excelsior High School, Allen Young attributed her achievements to the Christian values received from her retired Salvation Army officer parents, the late Major Morel Allen and Major Mae.

She is survived by her husband, Methodist minister, Reverend Dr Rupert Young, as well as her brothers Trevor, Peter and Christopher.