Another pledge programme was successfully launched as donations raised to outfit the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda have increased to over $500,000.

BVI Health Services Authority Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Paula Chester-Cumberbatch said that the programme was developed along the lines of the Peebles Hospital Pledge Programme to manage all donations earmarked for the purchase of equipment and furnishings necessary for the commissioning of the medical facility.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Ronnie W. Skelton expressed his gratitude to all persons and organisations for the contributions made thus far. He went on to pledge his own contribution of $10,000 in honour of Mrs. Camelita O’Neal, a prominent local nurse and Virgin Gordian who had provided compassionate care to his family.

Minister Skelton explained that the contributions made are part of a comprehensive health strategy. “It is important for us to understand that it is not just about building a facility in Virgin Gorda, but to ensure that all people of the Virgin Islands will have access to quality health care wherever they are,” he said.

Pledge presentations were also made by Medicure Limited, Rotary Club of Tortola, Smith & Associates and Ninth District Representative Honourable Hubert O’Neal and Mrs. O’Neal.

Honourable O’Neal made a contribution of $10,000 and encouraged fellow Virgin Gordians to contribute to the programme. He said, “I want the people of the Virgin Gorda to get involved. There is no donation that is too small. This is your facility….[so] I want the people to contribute.”

Previous donations were received from David Johnson and Pamela Johnson of Victor International, Road Town Wholesale Limited, Larry and Lucy Page of Strategic Alliance Partners.

The launch was held on October 26 with a Health Fair hosted by the BVI Health Services Authority. 

Remarks were also made by BVI Health Services Authority Board Chairman, Mrs. Ayana Liburd and local philanthropist, Mr. Jaleel Cameron who at 13 years old has raised over $20,000 towards equipment for the Peebles Hospital.

The Virgin Islands community is invited to make contributions towards outfitting the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre in Virgin Gorda. For more information on how to contribute, persons can telephone (284) 852-7655 or email nlettsome@bvihsa.vg.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development and BVI Health Services Authority remain committed to achieving the goal of optimum health in the Virgin Islands.

Note:

Caption 1: Rotary Club of Tortola presenting a $50,000 cheque towards the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)

Caption 2: Jean Vanterpool presenting a cheque of $10,000 on behalf of Medicure Limited towards the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)

Caption 3: Shaina Smith presenting a cheque of $1,000 on behalf of Smith and Associates towards the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)