Former general manager of Primary Health Care Services in Tobago under the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) Dr Mentor Melville has died after ailing for some time.
Melville 65, of Delaford, Tobago, was described as a medical icon. He died at the Intensive Care Unit at the Scarborough General Hospital on Sunday around 11.30 pm.
The T&T Guardian understands, that Melville underwent heart surgery in October while warded at the Intensive Care Unit of the Port- of- Spain General Hospital and calls were made for blood to be donated for him to undergo emergency surgery.
He was transferred to the Scarborough General Hospital last week Thursday, but subsequently died of multiple organ failure.
Melville had been a medical doctor since 1971.
He was known to be very vocal on healthcare issues in Tobago, citing that the health sector in Tobago was in shambles. On numerous occasions he called on the Minister of Health to intervene in the matter.
In 2015, his contract was terminated by the TRHA with without cause. Legal action was taken against the TRHA since the CEO did not provide a suitable explanation as to why he was fired.
In expressing condolences, former secretary of finance in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Dr Anselm London said even though the news was not a total surprise, it hit him really hard. He said Melville was an outstanding medical practitioner
“He was a tower of strength an exemplar to the medical fraternity as well as to other Tobagonians especially to those who yearn to climb the highest levels academic and professional excellence. Never fearful to express an opinion, but also willing to listen to divergent views. God has decided to take this tower of strength away from us. May he rest in eternal peace...I mourn his loss.” London said.
Melville also held the position of District Medical Officer and County Medical Officer of Health.