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by pltm
(PLTM) - Over $2M has been collected by the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) from individual and business donors, who contributed towards the construction and outfitting of the Peebles Hospital. This figure was disclosed today, April 21, by the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Mrs. Paula Chester-Cumberbatch, prior to the reveal of a wall dedicated to the donors.
The money was collected a part of a pledge programme, launched by the Minister of Health, Hon. Ronnie Skelton, in 2014.
Since the inception of the programme in March 2014, to date, the BVIHSA boasts of a collection of some $2,373,247.09.
According to the CEO, the funds went towards the outfitting of clinical units and wards, purchasing of equipment and the overall infrastructure of the facility.
“Government couldn’t do it alone,” she noted.
During the ceremony, the BVIHSA also saw a pledge from Scotia Bank in the sum of $98,357.00. Those funds are intended to go towards the expansion of the hospital’s Pediatric Ward, according to the CEO.
Contributions totaling over $400,000 were also collected for the construction of the Virgin Gorda Hospital, according to Minister Skelton.
Newly appointed Chairperson of the Authority, Ms. Ayana Liburd also took advantage of the opportunity to thank the donors for their contribution.
She mentioned that the BVIHSA will continue their efforts in securing as many contributions as they can, adding that in the coming months, the authority will launch their Health Services Trust Fund.
“In a couple months, the BVIHSA will be formalizing the Health Services Trust Fund to streamline charitable giving, and to also initiate fundraising opportunities for the hospital.”
The pledge programme was first launched by Minister Skelton and the then Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Bishop John I. Cline, at the chapel of the new hospital.
The programme was developed through a joint venture between the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVIHSA, to accept and process all donations towards outfitting the new Peebles Hospital with the necessary equipment.
