SVBL donates over $100,000 in medical equipment to MOH

The St Vincent Brewery Limited (SVBL) on Monday, gave to the Ministry of Health, over EC$100,000 in medical equipment, while promising its continued support in the fight against COVID-19.

“This pandemic is pressing on with disastrous effects on world economies, including ours right here in St Vincent and the Grenadines. We have seen our medical services stressed to the point of deadlock,” Shafia London, country manager at the SVBL said at the handing over ceremony via teleconference from Barbados.

Handed over to the Ministry of Health after a consultation with chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Simone Keizer-Beache and other health officials, were 1000 rapid response antigen kits (Abbott Brand), 500 N95 masks and 500 blue disposable gowns.

“I would like to extend commendations and express sincerest thanks to our medical officials, the Chief Medical Officer, first responders and those working in any capacity of support and defense against the current pandemic, COVID-19,” London said during the presentation at Victoria Park.

“Your sacrifices and long hours to help to build a better landscape in what has been deemed ‘unfamiliar terrain’ is truly appreciated,” London added.

In response, Minister of Health St Clair “Jimmy” Prince described the donation as a special one that comes at a special time.

“It is a very significant donation and I thank the brewery for exercising such tremendous corporate responsibility in this country when we are going through one of the most intense and aggravating period in our history,” Prince said.

He said the donation will help to continue ensuring the safety and safe keeping of all frontline workers and Vincentians.

The handing over ceremony was attended among others, by Kelvin Franklyn, trade marketing coordinator at the Brewery; Helena Thomas, people coordinator at the Brewery; chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Simone Keizer-Beache; Cuthbert Knights, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, and senior nursing officer for the community nursing service sister Julie Douglas-Russell.