Top Jamaican Scientists

I want to try something more interactive than what I’ve done before. I would like to engage your ideas on the top Jamaican scientists of all time. We’re all aware of the all-time greatest scientists of the world – Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, etc. Let’s narrow this down to Jamaica.

Here are my rules for qualification: the scientist has to have actively contributed to Jamaican science, but may or may not be Jamaican-born. The contribution has to be real and obvious, with lasting value for Jamaica and Jamaicans. What do you think?

Here are some of my thoughts so far:

1. The Hon. Prof Edward Robinson OM – Geology; living icon of Jamaican geology and formation

2. The Hon. Prof Anthony Chen OM – Atmospheric Physics; member of Nobel-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

3. Dr Thomas Lecky – Veterinary Sciences; creator of the Jamaica Red, Black and Brahman breeds of cattle.

Jamaica has its share of entertainers (Bob Marley, Miss Lou) and sports figures (Usain Bolt, Courtney Walsh) and politicians (Michael Manley, Norman Manley) who have made significant impacts on the world stage. It’s time to take a look at our indigenous scientists who have made world impacts and contributions.

There are a lot more scientists to mention here; your time! Who do you think are our top chemists, biologists, doctors, etc of all time?