OFFICE OF DIASPORA DONATE SUPPLIES TO MINISTRY OF HEALTH

By Betty Ann Lazarus

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, August 31st, 2010 - Grenadians in the Diaspora continue to demonstrate their commitment for the development of the health sector at home.

A gift, including sheets, ward curtains, pillows, floor mats and comforters, was delivered to the Ministry of Health on Monday, August 30. The items, valued at over US$8,000, are for use at the General Hospital.

Grenada’s representative to New York, Consul General Derrick James, was instrumental in coordinating the donation which was made possible by the Office of Diaspora Affairs.

“We know that over the years, healthcare has been an issue of concern for people in the Diaspora. It is one area to which they will always be willing to contribute,’’ said Lana Mc Phail, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in handing over a portion of the supplies on Monday.

The Office of Diaspora Affairs was established in September 2009 under the guidance of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peter David. It’s intended to add structure and to systematise the longstanding and historical contributions that Grenadians living abroad have been making to national development.

Mc Phail urged that the donation be put to good use. “We know that this donation will assist in ensuring that our people are a little more comfortable when they are hospitalized,’’ she said, “and we urge that very good use be made of the items.’’

In accepting the donation Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Allison Miller, gave the assurance that the necessary structure is in place to ensure the items are used as intended. She encouraged the Office of Diaspora Affairs to continue supporting the Ministry of Health.

“We ask the Office of Diaspora Affairs to continue giving us their support as healthcare is expensive and we are all aware of the demand on state resources in these times,” said Miller.

The donated items, Miller said, will be sent to the Health Ministry’s central procurement unit, where a committee will ensure that they are disbursed to the General Hospital.