FirstCaribbean International Bank has made the first contribution to the rebuilding fund for the St. Jude’s Hospital in St. Lucia, which was severely damaged by fire recently.{{more}}

Describing the St. Jude’s Hospital tragedy as one that touched the Bank at a personal level, FirstCaribbean International has moved expeditiously to rally behind the hospital and the surrounding community to catalyse the rebuilding effort. To this end, the Bank, a member of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) group of companies, has established an account named the St. Jude’s Hospital Rehabilitation Fund.

Expressing the sympathy of the management and employees of the Bank across the region to the St. Lucian Prime Minister, Stephenson King, Chairman of the Bank Michael Mansoor launched the fund with a contribution of EC$200,000.

Referencing the institution as an enduring community landmark, St. Lucia’s Country Head for FirstCaribbean Mauricia Thomas-Francis recalled that it was not a month ago that FirstCaribbean initiated an effort to make some enhancements to the St. Jude’s Hospital through its Community Outreach Programme, which would see the refurbishment of a space within the hospital to create a private room at the facility.

“It is our hope that not just St. Lucians at home, but those abroad and more so those with deep-rooted ties to the town of Vieux Fort, will recall the significant difference the St. Jude’s Hospital made in providing medical services here since its establishment,” she said.

In his response, the Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the quick action and the start-up contribution, on behalf of the hospital and the people of St. Lucia. The Prime Minister cited the FirstCaribbean initiative as the first corporate gesture to be received, expressing the expectation that others would follow suit.

The Bank will also be providing assistance to keep the rebuilding of the hospital at the forefront of the country’s mind, through print and television ads promoting donations to the St. Jude’s Hospital Rehabilitation Fund account #106906839 at FirstCaribbean International Bank.