The newly renovated main kitchen at the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly was recently handed over, marking a significant milestone in strengthening care and improving daily living conditions for residents.

The renovated kitchen represents more than a physical upgrade. It reflects the Government’s continued commitment to dignity, quality care, and the wellbeing of older persons across the Territory. The modernised facility is designed to improve food preparation, nutrition, safety, and operational efficiency, directly enhancing the daily experience of residents and staff.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, underscored the significance of the project beyond infrastructure.

“Today’s handover is more than the completion of a kitchen. It reflects our commitment to dignity, compassion and quality care for our elderly residents, and to providing staff with safe and functional spaces to do their work,” Minister Wheatley said.

Honourable Wheatley added, “When we invest in facilities like the Adina Donovan Home, we are investing in people, ensuring that our seniors continue to be treated with the respect and care they deserve.”

Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mrs Sheniah Armstrong Jones, noted that the project aligns with the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen social care facilities across the Territory.

Mrs Armstrong Jones said, “This project demonstrates what is possible when public institutions, private partners and community organisations come together with a shared sense of responsibility. The renovated kitchen represents a move beyond temporary fixes towards sustainable improvements that enhance daily life for residents and strengthen our social care system.”

Manager of the Adina Donovan Home, Mrs Ritzia Turnbull Smith, expressed appreciation to the partners and stakeholders who contributed to the project, particularly Unite BVI Foundation, which served as the major funding partner.

Mrs Turnbull Smith commented, “This kitchen was a long-standing need, and today we are proud to see it transformed into a modern, functional space that will improve how we serve our residents every day. We are also deeply grateful to Unite BVI Foundation and all our partners who stood with us throughout this process and helped turn a vision into reality.”

Programme Coordinator at Unite BVI, Ms Alexandra Katra, described the renovation as a clear example of partnership in action.

“This renovation tells a powerful story of partnership, where challenges were met with collaboration and solutions were found together for the benefit of the wider community. We are proud to support a project that directly improves the daily lives of residents and the working conditions of the staff who care for them,” Ms Katra said.

In addition, Executive Director of Unite BVI, Kim Takeuchi commented that, “This project stands as a testament to the impact of bringing people, great ideas and resources together for sustainable positive change and to uplift our community’s most vulnerable.”

Representing the Environmental Health Division, Environmental Officer Ms Shernette Grant commended the upgrades to the kitchen, noting their importance to compliance and safety. She also emphasised the importance of continued oversight, stating,

Remarks were also delivered on behalf of the Acting Chief Social Development Officer Ms. Shirma George by Social Worker Ms. Deidra Thomas, reaffirming its continued support for the Adina Donovan Home and its commitment to ensuring residents have access to safe facilities, appropriate resources, and trained staff.

The renovation works included structural repairs, upgraded electrical systems, modern commercial grade equipment, cabinetry, improved layout, and safety enhancements. 

Contributions were made by multiple partners, including Unite BVI Foundation, Belmont Homeowners’ Association, Drake’s Traders Ltd, Harneys, LDS Architectural Services, Facilities Management, Public Works Department, Solid Waste Department, Commercial Dive Services, 24/7 Trucking Equipment, Hammock Construction & Maintenance Services and Leeward Fabrication.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development extends sincere thanks to all partners and stakeholders who supported the project and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that residents of the Adina Donovan Home continue to live in comfort, dignity, and care.