Washington DC – Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller hailed Jamaican-born Buffalo New York-based Dr. Charles Anderson’s commitment to applying skills and humanity in restoring health to others.
The Prime Minister referenced French Philosopher Voltaire, who said: “Men who are occupied in the restoration of health to other men, by the joint exertion of skill and humanity, are above all the great of the earth. They even partake of divinity, since to preserve and renew is almost as noble as to create.”
She said, “By any measure, Dr. Anderson was indeed a ‘great of the earth,’” in her tribute, read on her behalf by Jamaica’s Council General to New York Mr. Herman LaMont, at a thanksgiving service in celebration of Dr. Anderson’s life at the Bethel AME Church in Buffalo New York, Monday, November 9.
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 USA-based 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 provided free medical care throughout the Caribbean.
Prime Minister Simpson Miller elaborated: “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 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 many Jamaicans from all across the United States, turned out to pay final tribute to this outstanding Jamaican medical practitioner. Among those paying glowing tributes were: Buffalo’s Mayor, Byron Brown; Dr. Richard Clarke; Dr. Rudolph Willis, president of HELP Jamaica Medical Mission; Dr. Richard Constable, Chairman of NAJASO; and NAJASO President Rick Nugent. Rev. Richard Stenhouse delivered the eulogy.
Dr. Anderson, who left Jamaica in 1958 to study in the United States, died on October 28 at age 81, after a brilliant career that included co-founding the first African-American family owned medical practices in Buffalo.
He is survived by Beverly; children: Charles, Brian, Monica, Charlene and Beatrice.
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