Former University Of The West Indies Professor Is Jamaica’s Sixth COVID-19 Fatality

KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 21, 2020 (CMC) – A retired professor at the University of the West Indies’, Mona Campus, has become Jamaica’s sixth COVID-19 fatality.

He has been identified as Tara Dasgupta, who was Professor Emeritus of Inorganic Chemistry.

His death was confirmed by Chief Medical officer, Dr Jaqueline Bisasor McKenzie.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Tara Dasgupta, as I was once a student of the professor, and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues,” an obviously shaken Bisasor McKenzie said.

Dasgupta, who joined UWI in 1974, was well respected in his field, and was known for the high quality of his research.

Only six years after joining UWI, he was appointed as the institution’s first professor of inorganic chemistry.

He received a plethora of prestigious awards, including the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander, from the government of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, disclosed that, along with members of his Cabinet, they have all tested negative for COVID-19.

The prime minister made the disclosure, during a digital press briefin, on Monday.

“All the Cabinet members and myself, and also a few of our permanent secretaries, were tested, on Friday last, for COVID-19, and we have put in place measures, at the Cabinet office, to deal with the situation we are currently facing.

“We also took some time on Friday, to reflect on our own circumstances and operations, to ensure the continuation of government, during the time of this epidemic.

“We have now gotten back all the results and all are negative,” the prime minister reported.