Governor General Sir Rodney Williams And Lady Williams Visit Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (Msjmc)
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams accompanied by his wife Lady Sandra Williams, paid their first official visit to the Mount St. John Medical Centre on Friday and participated in the institution’s annual Christmas Programme.
Remarks were given by Dr. Alvin Edwards, Medical Director of Mount St. John who spoke of the new programmes which the hospital was embarking upon, the continuing medical education programme being offered and the high regard in which the institution is now being held by other medical bodies, regionally and internationally. Health Minister, Hon. Molwyn Joseph spoke of Antigua and Barbuda’s plans to establish a facility to handle those suffering from infectious diseases as well as an epidemiology centre to track diseases. He also mentioned a Cuba/Antigua and Barbuda initiative to facilitate training of doctors in specialized areas of medicine in keeping with the nation’s needs.
The Health Minister declared that the Government will be working to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda will meet the WHO Health Standards within two (2) years.
In his remarks, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams remarked that when persons are sick, medical care at the hospital should be designed to deliver the best possible care because when people are sick they are most vulnerable and health practitioners need to be understanding, empathetic and caring. The Governor General commended all staff at the hospital for the work that they do on a daily basis in helping to maintain the health and productivity of our nation. Sir Rodney added that on many occasions health care workers go above and beyond the call of duty for the patients’ benefit. It was underscored the fact that a good hospital is not just a building, but the quality of care given within the building.
The gathering was entertained by Dr. George Roberts who played a musical rendition on keyboard while Mr. Lincoln Stanislaus Jnr rendered a Christmas song for the occasion. Chairman of the MSJMC Board of Directors Ambassador Bernard Percival welcomed the guests to the institution and Senior Nurse at MSJMC, Sister Janet De Shong chaired the special programme.
Following the Christmas programme, the Governor General and his wife visited patients in the hospital and distributed Christmas gifts.