ON November 16, 1948, Ruth Benjamin was born in Kingston, Jamaica. A mere 26 years later, she migrated to Guyana as a young bride. She brought with her the knowledge and compassion of a medical doctor that was needed to improve the local public health sector.

Dr. Ruth Benjamin- Huntley was recently recognised for her 30-plus years of selfless service in Guyana’s health system. On the occasion of the 49th Republic Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency President David Granger appointed her the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

“I was humbled to be bestowed The Golden Arrowhead of Achievement. I felt honoured to know that I left my home many years ago to serve the Guyanese people and I have received this recognition and appreciation. “I am a proud Guyanese. I travel with a Guyanese passport,” she said.

Growing up in Jamaica, migrating had never crossed her mind. Dr. Ruth (as she is fondly called) grew up in a small nuclear family. Her mom was a housewife tasked with nurturing four children and her father was an Engineer.

Young Ruth attended Queen’s High School- an all-girls school. She was successful at the GCE and ‘A’ Level examinations. By that time, the desire of a 12-year-old girl to become a doctor had grown. She pursued a Degree in Medicine at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.

“When I was around 12, I saw a movie in which there was a young doctor who showed such care and empathy for his patients, even in trying circumstances he displayed grit, tenacity and love and that moved me to become a doctor. I too wanted to help and make persons better,” Dr. Ruth recalled.

As fate would have it Ruth caught the attention of a young Guyanese man named Rickford Huntley. While Huntley was in his final year at the United Theological College of the West Indies Dr. Ruth was interning. That very year, the duo got married. Following Huntley’s graduation in 1975, he brought a blessing to Guyana- his bride.

Dr. Ruth transitioned smoothly in her new family and country. Guyana had quickly become her home. She had adjusted well to rural living on the West Coast Demerara, travelling to the Georgetown Public Hospital and even consuming delicious Guyanese cuisines, though she took some time warming up to pepperpot.

“I did have a challenge with pepperpot. I was introduced to it while I was working at GPHC’s Pediatric Ward. I used to stay at the flat whenever I worked late. One time I was provided pepperpot I thought the meat was burnt. It was dark and bitter the housekeeper smiled and said it was the cassareep. I didn’t eat it then. I enjoy it now though. It is one of my favourite meals now. Also, roti and dhal puri were new to me,” Dr. Ruth said.

Having served in the Paediatric Ward for almost three years Dr. Ruth had gotten tired of the night shifts but just before her contract period had ended Dr. Patricia Rose, head of the Leprosy Control and Dermatology Unit invited her to apply for a job within the Unit. This was exactly the break Dr. Ruth was praying for.

Dr. Ruth recalled, “It was an attractive offer because it didn’t have night duty. They were expanding the unit to go into different communities. I joined in 1978. Leprosy affects the skin and had a stigma attached to it. So to have persons attend clinic or come for a checkup we ran it as a Dermatology Unit. Dr. Rose trained me in Dermatology.”

Working with leprosy patients was a fascinating experience for Dr. Ruth. She did not view her patients as outcasts but treated them with a double dose of love and medication. There were times when Dr. Ruth and her team would go in search of patients who missed clinic dates. Her tenure there exposed her to different parts of the country including Linden, Essequibo, and Berbice.

In 1992, Dr. Ruth made a decision for her family. She took 10 years off from practising so she could be with her family. In 2002, she reentered the world of work. She started a private practice. She also started lecturing at the University of Guyana and other offshore Medical Schools. And, while she is expecting to celebrate her 71st birthday in November 2019 Dr. Ruth is still at it.