Tribute to Ron Robinson

Dear Editor,
With the passing of Ron Robinson, Guyana has lost a legend. With his passing, Guyana has also lost an avid blood donor. Having donated more than 100 units of blood, Ron was family at the National Blood Transfusion Service. He was a simple, humble man but found a way to quietly and graciously make a difference in the lives of his Guyanese sisters and brothers.
In terms of radio and theatre, Ron Robinson was among the best in Guyana, CARICOM and the Commonwealth.
His contributions to the “orange” economy in Guyana are not only iconic, but his passion, dedication, and work in radio, TV, and theatre created a pathway of inspiration.
Radio has always been important in the lives of people of my generation and remains so today. For almost all of my more than 65 years of radio experiences, Ron was a giant presence.
As Minister of Health in Guyana at a time when HIV and AIDS were ravaging lives in our country and around the world and at a time when Guyana was shifting away from non-voluntary blood donation and trying to increase blood donation from less than 2000 units to more than 10,000 units annually, Ron’s communication experience and talents became an asset for public health. His major contributions to the education and awareness programmes in public health contributed to a “golden era” for public health’s education and awareness programmes.
When I first became Minister of Health, Guyana’s blood transfusion service depended on coercive methods for blood donation and only collected about 2000 units annually. By 2010, blood donation was 100 per cent voluntary donation and collected more than 10,000 units annually. Ron was a significant contributor to both the education and awareness efforts and the voluntary collection of blood. He personally was a champion of change and was annually recognised as a champion blood donor, one of a handful of 100+ donors.
Guyana has lost a legend. I have lost a friend.
To his family and friends, our prayers are with you. We pray that Ron walks well in heaven.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Chairperson
Presidential National
NCD Commission