LINSTEAD, St Catherine: Jamaica
Ten citizens who have given decades of service to the
development of the Linstead community in St Catherine were honoured for their
outstanding contributions on Sunday as the community recognised them at a Black
History Month celebration.
The event, which featured tributes, speeches, and cultural
presentations, was held at the Rose Duncan Park. Hosted by GI-DI-HAN
Entertainment, in association with the Linstead Community Development Community
(CDC), more than 50 sponsors from the community lent their support to a
well-attended celebration.
The 10 honourees – Hopeton Henry, Linval Tennant, Leghon
Coghiel, Herbert Garriques, Donovan Stanbury, Ruby Tenn, Wesley Scott, Dr
Kotalah Katragadda, Sylvester Hunt, and Thelma Johnson – have given yeoman
service in education, music, politics, banking, community service, medicine,
and culture and still continue to serve their communities.
DR KOTAIAH Katragadda’s passion for the profession and
dedication to service have made him one of the most beloved physicians to have
served the Linstead Public Hospital in St Catherine.
The Indian native, affectionately called ‘Dr K’ or ‘KK’, has
given over 36 years of service to the medical facility, with 30 years as senior
medical officer (SMO).
He recalls that when he came to Jamaica in 1981, his
intention was to eventually migrate to the United States of America (US).
However, after speaking with his mentor, Olympian Dr Arthur Wint, he decided to
stay in Jamaica.
Dr Wint, who was the hospital’s SMO at the time, took the
young physician under his wings.
Dr Katragadda’s passion for the profession was evident, and
over the years, he devoted himself to serving the residents of St Catherine and
communities in neighbouring parishes such as Douglas Castle, Kellits and Crofts
Hill in Clarendon and Moneague and Blackstonege in St Ann.
In 1987, Dr Katragadda became SMO when Dr Wint retired. Dr Katragadda retired in August 2017, having given 36 years
and four months to the institution.
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