9 March 2020
Dear Editor:
The Sad Passing of Judge Kevin Dubay
On Friday, 6 March 2020, a long-time visitor and friend of Anguilla, Kevin Dubay, died while snorkeling on Shoal Bay. He was a far-too-young 65 years old.
I write not to address how great a man — and Connecticut Superior Court judge—Kevin was (although, indeed, he was) but to inform readers of the extraordinary conduct of Anguilla’s and visiting first-responders.
Kevin had been snorkeling in front of Manoah/Madeariman with 5 others. With no distress or concern, he advised the group that he was going to shore. Soon thereafter he was, apparently, stricken and lost consciousness. Some alert and concerned person saw him and brought him from the water.
Remarkably, as The Anguillian reported on the front page of its 6 March edition, representatives of Global Medical Educational Training were on-island to instruct/re-certify our Health Authority employees in emergency medical care. To Judge Dubay’s great fortune, GMET representatives were on the beach when this emergency began.
We saw the confluence of Anguillian and visiting first-responders function in one coordinated effort toward accomplishing one goal – to save the life of a total stranger.
I wish that I knew the names of the young Anguillian ambulance attendants and police officers who were running back and forth from the vehicle to the beach, on their knees working feverishly but competently. Their commitment to excellence — to the saving of lives — was on display. I was proud of everything and everyone whom we saw.
We experienced the same expertise and professionalism on the ambulance ride and in the Princess Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department. These private citizens, the GMET professionals, came to the hospital in their own vehicles and participated in Judge Dubay’s care. That he died is no reflection on the quality of care, love, and competence displayed.
I grieve for the end of Kevin’s remarkable life and will miss my friend of more than 40 years. But I take great solace from knowing that: 1) he spent the last 6 days of his life with people whom he loved – doing things that he loved in a place that he loved; and 2) he received the highest possible medical care and all that could have been done for him was done for him by loving and capable professionals.
We must all strive to improve in whatever we do, and the presence of GMET on Anguilla evidences the Health Authority’s commitment to improvement and maintenance of the highest possible medical standards. I thank and salute the Anguillian and visiting medical personnel.
My wife, KK, and I cannot thank enough all those Anguillians who have made a point of expending their condolences and advising us to “stay-up and be strong.” With your help, we will try.
Sincerely,
Steven L. Seligman
BeachCourt Villa
Shoal Bay
