THE EDITOR, Sir:

MY DEEPEST condolences go out to Theo Chambers Sr. and his family, as well as the friends and family of Christopher Clarke, who perished in such an unfathomably tragic manner in Westmoreland, Thursday last.

I am deeply saddened when I think of what it must have been like, particularly for Mr. Chambers, watching the accident as it happened. I also pray for the driver of the vehicle who caused the accident, since he too must be wracked by awful guilt.

Your poignant reporting, especially of Mr. Chambers' thoughts as he unwittingly watched his son die, brought tears to my eyes.

But the story is also amazingly heartwarming, which brings me to the purpose of this letter. I strongly recommend to the relevant authorities that they award Gary Clarke with the National Award for Gallantry for his efforts to save these two men.

Beyond his call

He had been sleeping and was rudely awakened, and yet had the presence of mind and th of spirit to immediately go to the assistance of the men, willingly risking life and limb. He saw and felt the flames and was undaunted by the distinct possibility of an impending explosion. Indeed, it was only the explosion itself that eventually deterred him, and only after he had already suffered burns for his bravery.

This gentleman, like the divers at the Rio Cobre, epitomises the kind of human being we should all strive to be. It is a subspecies that is rapidly becoming extinct, and we should do everything in our power to ensure its preservation.

I am, etc,

D.A. COOKE

empressxjamkuntree@yahoo.com

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