By Kabs Kanu
Unbelievable. One of the nicest and most humble souls God has ever created, PROFESSOR MONTY JONES, passed away on Sunday. I shivered in shock and disbelief when I was called and told.
I worked with him in the last government where he was Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. He was an angel .
He was one of the most internationally famous Africans ever born. He discovered the genetic process to create new rice for Africa ( NERICA ) . He became the first African ever to be awarded the World Food Prize for this discovery.
He loved me and my late buddy Ambassador Foday Mansaray so much that whenever he came for the UN General Assembly in New York, it was a pleasant moment for us. He was like the uncle you always wanted for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Professor Monty Jones was good at listening more than talking. He was always affirming and upbuilding others.
Professor Monty Jones towered like a mighty colossus over all through the hallways of the UN. Presidents, ministers , ambassadors and other diplomats wanted to shake the hands of the man who created new rice for Africa , but he remained an impeccable model of modesty and humility.
The world has lost a true gem and machine of international progress and advancement. He brought tremendous pride to Africa and Sierra Leone and his name will forever resonate throughout the halls of reknown of world history.
May God grant eternal bliss to his gentle soul.
One Comment
May his soul rest in peace. Monty will only be actually dead until the ripples he caused in the world die away. So long African Scientist!