PM Hails Late Dr. Charles Anderson

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, has hailed the late Dr. Charles Anderson for his outstanding service in improving the health care of Jamaicans and persons in the wider Caribbean.

“By any measure, Dr. Anderson was indeed a great of the earth,” the Prime Minister said in her tribute read by Council General to New York, Herman LaMont, at the service of thanksgiving in celebration of Dr. Anderson’s life, held on November 9, at the Bethel AME Church in Buffalo, New York.

The Jamaican-born doctor, who resided in Buffalo, New York, died on October 28 at age 81.

The Prime Minister praised Dr. Anderson for staying very closely connected to Jamaica, including as a licensed medical practitioner in the island.

She said his staunch commitment was also reflected in his service as Chairman of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organization (NAJASO) and as a member of HELP Jamaica Medical Mission, as well as the Caribbean Medical Mission that provides free medical care throughout the region.

“For two weeks each year, Dr. Anderson and the team of medical angels, some of them Jamaican born, would close their practices or deny themselves the customary relaxing vacation, and come to Jamaica to serve the health care needs of Jamaicans,” she said.

She described his work with HELP Jamaica Medical Mission as “amazing and selfless.”

“For over 17 years, he was part of the team providing “free, quality health care to thousands of Jamaicans in need, including residents of my own constituency of South West St. Andrew,” said the Prime Minister.

Over 400 mourners, among them Jamaican nationals from all across the US, turned out to pay final tribute to this outstanding Jamaican medical practitioner.

Among them were: Buffalo’s Mayor, Byron Brown; president of HELP Jamaica Medical Mission, Dr. Rudolph Willis; Chairman of NAJASO, Dr. Richard Constable; and NAJASO President, Rick Nugent. Rev. Richard Stenhouse delivered the eulogy.

Dr. Anderson, who left Jamaica in 1958 to study in the US, had a brilliant career, which included co-founding the first African American family-owned medical practice in Buffalo.

He is survived by Beverly; and children Charles, Brian, Monica, Charlene and Beatrice.