THE EDITOR: We often inadvertently miss the opportunity to recognise the sterling contributions of individuals who have quietly passed. Understandably, we all have busy lives and therefore life just seems to go quickly by.

Dr Martin Haynes, a distinguished medical surgeon, passed quietly in his sleep just over two weeks ago, seemingly happening under the radar of many of us. I thought it best to celebrate Haynes’s life by simply acknowledging his 42 years of service in the field of medicine.

Haynes was born in Barbados and attended a prestigious high school where his father was the school’s carpenter. He was fondly known as the gifted carpenter’s son. From a simple family upbringing, Haynes went on to achieve a Barbados island scholarship. This was the first step to distinguish his talents among his peers.

He pursued medical school in Scotland and later returned to the Caribbean as a prominent surgeon. He was one of few people who was able to contribute to this field in both Barbados and TT.

For those of us who interacted with him, we would certainly endorse the view that he was a gentleman and a scholar, in every sense of the word.

Haynes spent over 40 years in Trinidad, many of which involved saving lives at the San Fernando General Hospital.

Some of his friends would also been aware of his literary prowess, having authored more than four books. He was affably known for his accommodating personality, his caring and supportive disposition, and also his fantastic sense of humour.

Haynes’s embrace of the English language was easily seen in all of his books, but the one that stands out most to me is Funster Punster – A Book of Puns.

He was always keen on giving kind words of advice to his friends, especially his golfing colleagues, who cherished his oratory contributions on the golf course. His sincerity through his attentiveness to the challenges of others was unique and admirable.

He was an avid golfer who played every day, time permitting. His passion on the golf course could only have been surpassed by his love for practising medicine. I know of three people who bring testimonies that were it not for Haynes’s extraordinary efforts on the operating table, they would not have been with us today.

Haynes leaves behind his wife Gillian, daughters Mandy and Carla, and granddaughters Faith and Lia.

He would certainly be missed. May he rest in peace.

ARNOLD CORNEAL

via e-mail

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