Government and Opposition were among several to pay their respects as tributes poured in yesterday (June 8) on news of the death of Sarah Newland Martin, the longtime administrator and general secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).

In her tribute, Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, said that, with the passing of Newland Martin, who was also a Special Olympian, Jamaica has lost a woman who made an extraordinary contribution as an athlete and administrator.

Newland Martin died in hospital Wednesday at age 75.

“Sarah Newland Martin was just incredible. She would not let the physical disability she was born with prevent her from becoming a top class swimmer and, after being appointed its first woman general secretary, she maintained an impeccable record of administration at the ‘Y’ for the 36 years she spent there until her death today,” Grange said in a statement issued Wednesday.

“In 1965, Sarah did something that no one thought she could possibly have done, given her physical situation. She became the only woman with a disability to complete the ‘Across The Harbour’, two-and-half-mile swim in Kingston Harbour. In doing that, a feat which challenged able-bodied swimmers, she set a new world record for persons with disabilities and was voted Sportswoman of the Year.

“In her athletic career that followed, Sarah represented Jamaica at the highest levels, winning numerous medals, including Paralympics Gold, and setting additional world and Pan-American records.

“I was pleased to appoint Sarah to the Board of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) on which she served from July 2019 to 2021 and to which she was reappointed in March 2021 for a period of three years to 2024.

“Sarah Newland Martin, for all of her life showed courage, self-confidence and determination that were phenomenal. She has provided us with the perfect example of what can be achieved by belief in self. An
inspiration to many, especially to persons with disabilities.

“She also believed in service to others exemplified in no uncertain way by her long and dedicated stewardship at the YMCA.

“I extend sincere condolences to her family, relatives, friends and associates and to the community of disabled people.

“We will long remember you for the mark you made, the lives you touched, Sarah.

“Rest in peace.”

Grange’s comments were echoed by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) which extended condolences to Newland Martin’s family, friends and loved ones.

The party noted that Newland Martin was a Jamaican Paralympian and advocate for human rights, especially within marginalised communities, and that her life’s work made her a veritable giant among the community of persons with disabilities.

“She was a truly wonderful and courageous soul who served selflessly in many roles and capacities.
Most notably, Sarah Newland Martin served as the General Secretary of the Kingston
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) from 1988 until her death,” the party said.

In learning of Newland Martin’s death, members of the PNP recounted their experiences with her.

“Sarah’s untimely passing has come as a shock to me personally, and is a great loss to Jamaica. Sarah literally grew up ‘in my father’s hand’, and I have known her since I was a child when she was already an internationally competitive swimmer,” said PNP President Mark Golding.

“In later years we served together in support of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre (formerly the Mona Rehabilitation Centre), and after he passed in 1996 she played an important part in helping to ensure the sustainability of that institution. I extend sincere condolences to her family, friends and the community of persons with disabilities.”

Senator Lambert Brown, Opposition spokesperson with responsibility for special abilities, said: “She was the face of the Poliovirus vaccine advocacy across the region for decades and a lovely individual who always encourages from the sidelines. Sarah was a committed and passionate Jamaican; she loved her country deeply.

“We have lost another true nation builder.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Sarah
Newland-Martin.”

In the meantime, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is in Los Angeles, California in the United States for the Summit of the Americas, said Newland Martin was an exceptional Jamaican who contributed to the development of volunteerism, social work and the community of persons living with disabilities.

“Sarah’s life has been dedicated to service. She has been an advocate for the community of persons living with disabilities and the youth,” Holness said.

“Her work and impact through her service to several voluntary and social groups have assisted in positively influencing the path of at-risk youth. Her service to the nation through her passion for swimming has opened doors for so many. Her disability served as a source of inspiration that one’s impact can be greater than any physical limitation. Jamaica has lost a true nation builder, public servant, a woman of determination, perseverance and courage.”

In 1980, Newland Martin was awarded the nation’s fifth-highest honour, membership in the Order of Distinction (OD).

She served as the service projects co-chair for the Rotary Club from 2018 – 2019.

Up to the time of her death, she was a serving on the board of the Public Broadcasting Corporation.

For his part, Robert Nesta Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, said: “Sarah Newland Martin was a national treasure. Her body of work and dedication to serve, was an inspiration to all. Her work on the PBCJ Board brought about improvements to programming which focused on the community of persons living with disabilities to ensure a greater understanding of their issues. We are indebted to Sarah for her selflessness and service to our nation. “

In the meantime, Holness has expressed condolences to Newland Martin’s family, friends and the wider YMCA family.

“I pay tribute to an iconic Jamaican who defied the odds and accomplished what many deemed impossible. May her soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine on her,” he said.