Dr. Tufton Hails Frontline Workers For Their Resilience

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton, is hailing the country’s frontline workers, noting that their resilience has “allowed us to break the back of the third wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19).”

“If you look at the last seven-day average, positivity rates were hovering around five per cent. That is within the global…benchmark numbers. Remember, we were at the peak at 50 per cent, which means that less persons are being infected. If you look at hospitalisations that is coming down. If you look at the reproductive rate, it’s below one per cent,” he noted.

“Again, having gone through this cycle three times we’re getting better at it, although we would not want to go through another. But I really want to just say thanks to those who have played a role,” he added.

The Heath Minister was addressing an awards ceremony to recognise frontline workers in St. James held on December 5 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The inaugural event was organised by the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), in collaboration with charity organisation, Sarah’s Children.

The Health Minister commended the MBCCI for recognising that without frontline workers the battle against the virus would be that more difficult.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, hailed frontline public sector workers for their tireless efforts in battling the pandemic.

“The last pandemic was 100 years ago, before everyone in this room was even thought of. Therefore, there was no textbook solution, there was no ideal answer, and it was the professional will, skill and commitment of the individuals involved on the front line that really allowed Jamaica to, in fact, do very well in spite of the circumstances we are faced,” he noted.

In a virtual message, President of the MBCCI, Janet Silvera, said frontline workers have been making invaluable sacrifices for the health and safety of the people of St. James, which should not go unnoticed.

“This frontline worker awards had to happen because of the sterling contribution and the sacrifices that you, as frontline workers, have made to the city of Montego Bay. I am speaking about the health workers, the police, soldiers and…the Jamaica Fire Brigade,” she noted.

Meanwhile, 31 frontline workers and the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) were recognised during the awards ceremony for their outstanding contribution in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.

The honourees were presented with plaques, television sets, vacation packages, and cash prizes valued at $3.3 million.

Those recognised for outstanding service include four members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), six Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) officers, two members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), five nurses, nine doctors and five other health care professionals.

The radiotherapy department at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) copped the Best Performing Department of the Year.

Lance Corporal Romario Garrick was named Top Soldier; Sub-officer in charge of the Montego Hills Police station, Sergeant Bruce Walker copped the Top Policeman award; Top Doctor went to Consultant Haematologist and Oncologist at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Dr. Harvey Crawford, while Eulalee Sommersville-Edgar received the award for Top Nurse.