The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez, whose work was critical in the fight against HIV/AIDS, died on Saturday at 76.

Born in the Berry Islands, he was the North Andros and Berry Islands representative from 2012 to 2016, serving as Minister of Health. 

He founded and directed the National HIV Programme of The Bahamas and created the AIDS Clinical Services Programme at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

Under his leadership, HIV transmission rates in The Bahamas declined by more than 30 per cent, and HIV transmission from mother to child decreased dramatically. 

His death sparked tributes from the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement. 

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis described him as “a giant in public health and a true son of Bahamian soil”.

“Dr Gomez’s life epitomized the very spirit of selflessness, commitment, and passion for the health and well-being of our people,” Mr Davis said.

“For over three decades, Dr Gomez spearheaded efforts that not only transformed the landscape of public health in The Bahamas, but also reverberated across the Caribbean and the world.” 

“From his groundbreaking work in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV using AZT treatments to pioneering partnerships that made crucial medications more accessible to our people, he left an indelible mark. It’s hard to imagine where we would be in our fight against infectious diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, without Dr Gomez’s visionary leadership.”

Mr Davis said his love for people and his dedication to the health profession serve as a beacon of inspiration for all.

“His legacy extends beyond his pioneering work in medicine,” he said.

The Free National Movement remembered Dr Gomez as a “caring physician.”

“Many young physicians treasure the memories of his mentorship as a clinician and hold him in high regard,” the party said. “He served as Chief of Medicine at PMH for many years. He was a staunch advocate for the provision of quality healthcare, especially for the poor.”