Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the Government of Canada yesterday donated a total of $2,884,000 to the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital and the Help and Shelter organisation.
At a simple handing over ceremony, held at the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown, new High Commissioner to Guyana David Devine stated that not only was he pleased to be handing over a gift from the people of Canada but that they were also conscious of the good job both entities were doing.
Help and Shelter received $1,731,000, which Devine said was “a significant and tangible expression of Canada’s commitment to supporting social development that has a direct positive impact on women and children… [and] we believe will improve the well-being of this important group of citizens of Guyana…which will promote the human rights of victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse.”
He noted that some of its activities include provision of free face-to-face, hotline and advisory counselling, referral services, delivery of free comprehensive court support services to victims and survivors of domestic, sexual violence and child abuse as well as advocacy for advances in the implementation of the national domestic violence policy.”
Further, while noting Canada’s long-time contribution and commitment to Help and Shelter, he said he was made aware that the entity was doing “a good job” in its attempt to combat the horrible effects of the scourge of domestic and gender-based violence against women.
The St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital received $1,153,000, which will be used to purchase a neo-natal infant paediatric ventilator which will boost medical support for infants in the hospital. The hospital is still recovering from losses from the May, 2010 fire.
The hospital administration was charged with the task to “really care and maintain the facilities that will be procured.”
Director of Help and Shelter Denise Dias and Chief Executive Officer of St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital Helen Bowman both expressed sincerest thanks to the Canadian people. Dias, who said the money will cover a myriad of projects, added that it was of no surprise that the Canadian people were helping at a time when the organisation needs funds since this has been a trend over the years.
Bowman stated that as the hospital worked to recuperate from the devastating fire of 2010 they were also pleased by the donation. She said it will give a boost to the private health care provider as they strive to provide first class healthcare services to Guyanese.
