Governor General Sir Patrick Allen cheers after unveiling the cover of the autobiography By Faith, Not by Sight by Senator Dr Floyd Morris at the launch ceremony Tuesday at the UWI Regional Headquarters, Mona.
THE current and former governors general and four former prime ministers turned out Tuesday to support Jamaica’s first blind senator, Dr Floyd Morris, at the launch of his autobiography at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters building, Mona, St Andrew.
Like the rest of the packed auditorium, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and his predecessor, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, as well as former prime ministers Portia Simpson Miller, Edward Seaga, P J Patterson and Bruce Golding, were obviously enthralled by the touching story of Morris’ life.
Gary Allen, the Radio Jamaica boss; media icon Fae Ellington, emcee and Morris himself fought strenuously to retain their composure, at times giving way to quiet tears, as the author’s life, extensively told in graphic detail in the autobiography titled “By Sight, Not by Faith”, was captured on video and through anecdotes.
But the occasion was filled with happy moments and mirth; for example, when Patterson, giving the keynote address, said he had been hesitant to participate in the launch, given that Morris, despite his disability, was able to complete his doctorate and autobiography, while “other persons (read P J Patterson) have only been promising to do theirs for 10 years now”.
Patterson was in his ackee but ran into hot waters with the very partisan and raucous former Taylorites present to support their fellow, Morris, when he said the author was truly an extraordinary man to have accomplished so much with a disability “further compounded by the handicap of being a Taylorite”.
Governor General Sir Patrick — who shares the Seventh-day Adventist faith with Morris — in declaring the book officially launched, said the occasion was a celebration of triumph over adversity and of the power of faith.
Gary Allen, who was mentioned in the book for assisting Morris with money to pay exam fees, spoke at the launch, noting that he had been a friend of the author for over 30 years. “You have lost your sight, but your vision is tremendous,” he told his former St Mary High schoolmate.
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