Labour Party leaders pay tribute on passing of Dr. Ian Jacobs

The Deputy Political Leader and the Chairman of the opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) on Thursday paid tribute to prominent pediatrician, Dr. Ian Jacobs who passed away Wednesday.

"Dr. Jacobs was a caring and dedicated pediatrician who would have attended to hundreds of our children for over 28 years. I had the honour and privilege of working with him while I was the Minister of Health. He was always professional and thorough in his approach and, of course, the perfect gentleman," said Hon. Marcella Liburd, deputy political leader.

Liburd said Dr. Jacobs "will be sadly missed by the entire Federation but his contribution to health will leave an indelible mark on our health system."

SKNLP chairman, Dr. Terrance Drew said Dr. Jacobs "was the epitome of what a good doctor should be. He was loyal to both his patients and colleagues. He went the extra mile."

"Money and the fancy life were not his goals but rather the well-being of the nation and his patients," said Dr. Drew, who added: "When I first returned from Cuba I worked under his guidance on the paediatric ward. He was patient, respectful and eager to teach me. I learnt a lot about paediatrics from this excellent paediatrician, but most of all I learnt what being a doctor is all about. It's about working hard and going above and beyond for your patients and the money will take care of itself."

"I (have) applied this to my practice where I put patient care above money though I know that there must be a balance. Most patients are very kind-hearted and caring and if you care about them first, they will take care of you," said Dr. Drew, who remembered a case of brain tumour patient.

"That patient was close to dying but Ian (as he always asked me to call him) worked to get that patient to the USA. That young man is still alive today thanks to Ian. There are many stories like this one. I am sure that many would give their stories over the next few days, months and years," said Dr. Drew, also a US-trained internist.

"Ian would be greatly missed for he was loved and gave a lot of it. He was more than a great doctor; he was an excellent human being," Dr. Drew said.