Governor General, His Excellency, The Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall (left) presents Professor Charles Egerton Denbow with the instrument of the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander during a special ceremony of investiture at King’s House on Wednesday (April 16). Professor Denbow was presented with the award in recognition of his outstanding work in the field of medicine and in particular, the teaching of medicine. Looking on is Captain Samuel Ellis, Aid-de-Camp to the Governor General.
“Throughout his career, he has devised creative solutions to promote medical research and improve the quality of patient care that we now offer in this country,” Professor Hall stated, noting that his dedicated efforts have enriched the quality of life of many people in Jamaica and across the region.
The Governor-General was speaking at King’s House today (April 16) at the Special Ceremony of Investiture for Professor Denbow as Member of the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander.
Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, in his remarks, noted that even though Professor Denbow was not born in Jamaica, he has made significant contribution to the country and the wider region.
“Professor Charles Denbow was born in Guyana and therefore he is not a son of our soil but we (have) transplanted him here and claimed him as our own. We have loaned him back to Guyana time after time, but we regard him as our own and saw it fit to honour him because of his significant contribution he has made in the field of medicine,” the Prime Minister said.
Professor Charles Egerton Denbow was born September 30, 1945 in Georgetown, Guyana. He came to Jamaica in 1965 as a pre-clinical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI). On completion of his first year at the institution, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of London, where he obtained a degree in anatomy.
He returned to Jamaica where he completed his clinical studies before embarking on another overseas trip to medical school.
After his return to Jamaica in 1975, he was selected as Chief Resident Doctor in Medicine for one year at the University of the West Indies (UWI). In 1977, Professor Denbow embarked on specialty training in cardiology and his success qualified him to lecture in medicine at the UWI.
Professor Denbow has made considerable contributions to several areas of health research and has piloted numerous students to successful careers in medicine. He was also appointed Professor of Medicine and head of the Department of Medicine at the university.