Tributes overflow for Dr Lebert Wright

The United Church in Falmouth traditionally does not allow more than three tributes at any funeral. The life that Dr Lebert Wright led caused that tradition to be thrown out the window on Saturday.

Some 29 tributes were given at the funeral of the late dental surgeon. Among those who spoke was former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

The Reverend Novlyn Hanson told WESTERN STAR that the church yielded to requests from the family to allow for the abundance of tributes to be made during the service.

"My denomination does not support it, but the family insisted and I relented," he said.

Wright was born in Wakefield, Trelawny, on December 11, 1953. He died on May 25.

Simpson Miller, in her tribute, described him as "a true Comrade who was committed to his political beliefs".

"Dr Wright was my true friend. He headed 'Team Portia' in Trelawny. Like you have heard, he had two colours, blood red, which was so strong, it turned orange."

Julian Robinson, the general secretary of the People's National Party (PNP), reminisced on the service Wright gave to the party.

"He was a true and faithful Comrade who was always present at Conference. Volunteerism to the party lived in him. Member of Parliament Victor Wright and myself are donating $100,000 each towards a scholarship to Knockalva for a student of Wakefield, in his honour."

Elder Sarah Davis, who spoke on behalf of the church, said Dr Wright was a member for 25 years.

"He loved his God and served in many capacities in the church, especially the men's fellowship. We had differences of opinion. He loved his juice, and when it was discussed, he would remind us of what 1st Timothy 5, verse 23 said," Davis commented.

Deven Patrick, a batchmate of Wright's at Knockalva, spoke of his love for the farm.

"He always had something from the farm to give. At Knockalva, he drank milk from the source. Later, he mixed the milk with another by-product of the farm. Here, I refer to sugar cane," Patrick said.

Tributes were also given by Dr Diahann Dale, medical officer for Trelawny; Dr Velma Brown-Hamilton; and former north Trelawny MP Desmond Leakey.

Wright's remains were cremated.