Caribbean News
PM’s wife says ‘Every Jamaican Deserves Good Healthcare’
#Jamaica, March 27, 2018 – Montego Bay – Wife of the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, says every Jamaican deserves good healthcare and should have access to first-rate health facilities.
Speaking at the opening of the renovated Paediatric Ward at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital in St. Ann on March 22, Mrs. Holness said it is against that background that it is so commendable that the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) and the Issa Trust Foundation have joined together “to produce a world-class facility” for children.
“This phenomenal team has put together a world-class facility to ease the pain of children. You don’t find this kind of effort happening every day, which reinforces even more the need to appreciate this kind of love that has been meted out to our children and their parents,” she said.
In July 2010, the Issa Trust Foundation commenced a partnership with NERHA by launching the Paediatric Rotation and Paediatric Nursing Education programmes. Under these initiatives, significant investments were made by the Foundation in ensuring the training of select clinical staff across the region.
Today, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is equipped with 10 infant warmers; eight incubators, two of which are transportable; and eight ventilators.
“The Foundation team has also provided ongoing training and support to the unit and visits the hospital several times a year with needed equipment, pharmaceuticals, sundries and supplies and does ongoing training to sustain this critical partnership,” Mrs. Holness noted.
She said there is hardly any better way to show love than to do something meaningful for children, adding that “this is the first step” in nation building.
“The idea is for us to nurture the children, so they can become better Jamaican adults. We owe it to them by doing everything we can to give them that opportunity, and this is what the Foundation family has done with the renovations that took place at the Paedriatic Ward,” Mrs. Holness said.
For his part, Chairman of the Foundation, Paul Issa, said his organisation, having forged an agreement with internationally renowned musical group, Air Supply, to be their Brand Ambassadors for Jamaica, hosted a successful fundraising concert in June 2017 on the grounds of the Couples San Souci Hotel in St. Ann, where $20 million was raised.
“The Foundation has used the proceeds from this event to renovate the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital’s Paediatric Ward at a cost of $34 million,” he noted.
Release: JIS
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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