About the Author
Arnoldo Khaleel Ventura, affectionately called ‘Noldo’ is an internationally recognized thought-leader, prolific scientific writer, and teacher, who has now given us a beautiful collection of two sets of poems. The first ‘Memories and Musing - Reflections of a Scientist” and this anthology ‘Jamaican Echoes – Reflections on Life, Society and Self’ are nostalgic, inspirational, and brimming with homegrown wisdom, especially for those from the small islands of the Caribbean.
He is a graduate of Kingston College and The University of the West Indies in Jamaica, as well as an alumnus of Cornell University in New York where he earned a Ph.D. in virology.
In his early career, working in depressed communities as an arbovirologist, he was struck by the bleakness and unnecessary pain of poverty. This sparked a desire to use science, not only as a
laboratory instrument, but also as a tool to solve social and economic problems.
He is known for being one of the first to advocate for seriously deploying scientific knowledge to eradicate poverty.
His work as a virologist and science and technology specialist has gained him national accolades including, the Commander of the Order of Distinction (Jamaica) and the Silver Musgrave Medal for science from the Institute of Jamaica. In 2021, his essay on Science Advice for the Caribbean was recognized by the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA) in Montreal, Canada.
He reflects that the excitement and satisfaction of a scientist’s life cannot be experienced in any other profession.
He feels that science enables an understanding of the vicissitudes of life, respectfulness for differences of opinion and deep appreciation of nature and all its creatures, which make for humility and enjoying a short life. He is well known for his kindness and concern for others, especially those who work along with him on his scientific endeavours. Dr Ventura is not only a passionate advocate for the disadvantaged but is also an inspiring example of how to practice what you preach.
He has imparted great wisdom and love to his children, grandchildren and extended family, and will leave an amazing legacy of patience, simplicity, kindness and hope.
