The children of the St. Benedict’s Day Nursery and Infant Hospital in Georgetown are in dire need of new premises.

Sister Nyra-Anne Pajotte of the Carmelite Sisters – administrators of both institutions – has explained that the existing building, constructed in 1963, cannot accommodate the facilities necessary for the daily nursery and the therapy, rehabilitation and development of its patients.{{more}} She added that as a result of its limitations, they have had to turn away many persons seeking their assistance.

The nursery offers daily care for over 170 children, the majority of whom come from poor, single parent families. The patients at the hospital range in age from 8 to 17 years, and are afflicted with varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities. Many of the children have been abandoned, and are now resident at the hospital.

Sr Nyra-Anne is seeking the assistance of the Vincentian community on behalf of the children. She indicated that the establishments host an annual fair, however, the event only raises enough funds to supplement the contributions of overseas sponsors, to cover daily operational expenses.

In presenting her case, Sr Nyra-Anne pointed out that the majority of the institutions’ sponsors are based abroad, and have given unstinting support since the inception of the institutions. She believes that this is an opportune moment for the local community to make a greater contribution to the facilities, as she cannot rely soley on the existing sponsors to finance the project.

Already, Simon Bailey has volunteered his services as a quantity surveyor, and Trevor Thompson of T V A Consultants Ltd has agreed to provide the architectural drawings. Thompson is also liasing with the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in an effort to generate support for the new facility from various Rotary Clubs worldwide. The new home, to be constructed in Georgetown, is expected to cost in excess of EC$1 million.

Most recently, Mountain Top Springs Ltd pledged its support to the institutions. The company will launch a St. Benedict’s Day Nursery and Infant Hospital label for its 500 ml Mountain Top Spring Water. For each of the bottles sold, Mountain Top Springs Ltd will donate EC 5 cents to the building fund. They have also commissioned a logo design for the institution. Sr Nyra has expressed profound gratitude for the commitments received to date, and is urging both the corporate community and individuals to assist in any way possible.

Monetary contributions can be deposited to the St. Benedict’s Day Nursery and Infant Hospital Building Fund, RBTT Bank Caribbean Ltd, account No. 0107171283. Those wishing to make alternative pledges can contact Sr Nyra-Anne at the St. Benedict’s Day Nursery and Infant Hospital.