Dr Clifton Reid on a mission for Brooks Park

Dr Clifton Reid has touched many lives. Not only in his role as a medical doctor but through his passion for reaching out to the less fortunate and his desire to contribute to community development.

A a native of the district of Leicsterfield, Clarendon, Dr Reid lived with his mother Ivy Lewinson, and two sisters. At age seven, he moved to the nearby town of Frankfield to live with his father who had returned from England.

He gained his early education from Frankfield Primary School before going on to Frankfield Comprehensive High, (now) Edwin Allen High. Influenced by his science teacher, Dennis Onic, after leaving high school, he attended EXED Community College in Kingston where he pursued his A' Levels. Next came the University of the West Indies school of medicine where Reid completed his medical degree in 1987.

Passing through

Just about the same time, Reid decided to settle in Mandeville. "I was passing through the town (Mandeville) on my way to Black River," he said. "One of the things that struck me was how cool I felt during the day. I made an application shortly thereafter to do my internship at the Mandeville Hospital and I have been here since, the affable doctor told Outlook in a recent interview."

Dr Reid has been practising private family medicine in Mandeville since 1989. His private practice is located at the Hargreaves Memorial Hospital where he is also one of the resident doctors.

Charitable projects

Over the years, he has been involved in several charitable projects, as he disclosed, "I have been assisting the elderly and the young at the Chantilly Clinic for over 14 years and also the Windsor Lodge Children Home which I hold dear to my heart; I do their check-ups for free."

He added, "I also believe in using sports to foster behaviour patterns, so I am a member of youth clubs, some in volatile communities, including Greenvale."

Reid has also played a significant role in shaping the lives of youths through his work with the Manchester Scout Local Association. And, he has also served on many school boards, including his present position as chairman of the board of governors for Cross Keys High School in Manchester.

But what has taken the spotlight more recently is his work as the chairman of the Brooks Park Development Committee. That project has earned him much admiration nationally. "I was always lamenting the absence of a park in Mandeville. So I brainstormed with some people to come up with a concept," he explained.

"We faced many challenges. We encountered very negative public sentiments as people have this notion that a lot of money was spent to no good. At first, we had in mind a sports and recreation complex with an amphitheatre, kiddies playground and family picnic area. But because of the economic climate, we had to cut back significantly."

Brooks Park currently has a multi-purpose playing field, a kiddies play area, a hard court for basketball, netball and other sports. There is also a stage area and work is progress for the building of a clubhouse and so far one area for stands.

Reid told Outlook, "We re grateful to Barita; we have also have received help from Victor Dixon Jr, the mayor and the Manchester Parish Council, Flow, the Jamaica Public Service, Fence Master, Morris Hyman and others."

The clubhouse will be a multi-purpose centre for at-risk youths and an information hub. A part of the projected plan is to put in an Olympic-size swimming pool, as well as a civic centre which can host boxing, bowling and other activities. There are also plans to add a pond to capture surface water for fishing. In the long term, a public car park will be added to the complex and this should address the need for a parking facility in Mandeville.