Jamaican News

Sarah Newland-Martin has died

June 8, 2022 | Colin O. Jarrett |  General Secretary and Administrator of the Kingston Young Men’s Christian Association/YMCA Sarah Newland-Martin has died.

The 75 year-old passed away at the Kingston Public Hospital, KPH this morning (June 8, 2022).

Based on reports, she underwent a procedure last week which was successful.  However, days later, Mrs Newland-Martin developed complication and was admitted to KPH where she died..

Mrs Sarah-Martin, the longest serving General Secretary of the YMCA served for over 30 years which is the home to many sporting disciplines namely Aquatics, tae-kwon-do-and Badminton.

She remains a household name with which the nurturing of countless young men is associated.

She was a member of the disability association and was born with a leg deformity.  To deal with her situation, she was sent to Mona Rehabilitation Centre, now Sir John Goldin Rehabilitation.  In 1965, she received the Jamaican Sportswoman of the Year for being the only woman with a disability to complete the “Across The Harbour” a 2.5 mile swim in Kingston Harbour.

Her passing bring to a close an extraordinary story of grit and determination and success against overwhelmed odds for which she was awarded the Officer of the Order of Distinction, O by the Government of Jamaica.

She was an ardent member of the Bethel Baptist Church, St Andrew where she sat on many boards and was a Deacon.

Colin O. Jarrett is Caribbean News Editor with Vision Newspaper

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