A toast to Matron Devon Williams

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I read with pride and happiness the Jamaica Observer feature on Matron at the Bellevue Hospital, Mr Devon Williams, who has given 41 years of service to this facility for mental care. It is remarkable and absolutely commendable that a man who could have easily earned far more in other fields of endeavour locally, or in the same field overseas, chose to dedicate his entire professional life to the patients at the Bellevue Hospital.

To make a sacrifice of this magnitude, Matron Williams has to have a special love for the mentally ill. As a mental health patient myself for over 20 years, I know for a fact that mentally ill patients who are suffering from some form of psychosis or experiencing a psychotic episode can be very mean-spirited and disrespectful to our mental health practitioners and caregivers like Matron Williams. Our illness, if not under control, can cause us to be aggressive and abusive to the people who love and care for us. It takes a special type of person with a special heart to serve in mental health. Mr Williams would have been likely attacked, cursed and abused by the patients for whom he was caregiver during his 41 years of service at Bellevue Hospital.

However, despite the dangers and challenges of the work environment, Matron Williams (did) ‘get up, dress up and show up’ for 41 years with love and deep devotion. I am inspired by Matron Williams’ contribution to the field of mental health and psychiatric care in Jamaica. On behalf of all the mentally ill persons in Jamaica, I want to raise a toast to Matron Devon Williams and thank him for his love and service towards the community of the mentally ill, and the Bellevue Hospital in particular. As you prepare to go off on retirement, I urge the management, patients and staff to give you a send-off befitting a king. The word is always love!

ANDRE A.O. WELLINGTON