Prince Harry Unveils ‘Rings of Life’ at Victoria Jubilee

His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of Wales (always known as Prince Harry), Tuesday March 6 unveiled the ‘Rings of Life’ at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) in downtown Kingston on the first full day on activities of his four-day official visit to Jamaica.

The statue, which is the work of master sculptor, Basil Watson, marks three events in 2012: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee as an independent nation; and the 120th anniversary of the founding of the VJH.

In his very brief remarks, Prince Harry brought warm greetings to the staff and patients of the hospital, while noting the significance of the 120-year-old institution. 

“It’s 120 years since this hospital was founded in honour of The Queen’s jubilee. Today, we unveil this wonderful statue in honour of another great Queen,” he said.

“To you all, doctors, nurses, staff and patients at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, I extend the heartfelt good wishes of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on this the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee,” the Prince added.

He was later accompanied by Their Excellencies, Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen and his wife Lady Allen, as he unveiled the unique work of art.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, said he was very honoured by the Prince’s visit on the remarkable milestone of 60 years of The Queen’s reign. “The inclusion of the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in this Diamond Jubilee celebration has special significance as the conception of this hospital is routed in the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, which was celebrated in 1887,” he said.

Dr. Ferguson noted the significant growth and development that has been achieved by the institution over the last 120 years, pointing out that “it has become the birthplace of a nation”.

“The hospital accounts for approximately one in every five births in Jamaica. Today, it is a 251-bed institution, with a complement of 293 staff. It does an average of 9,000 deliveries each year,” he stated. 

The Minister of Health also noted that the VJH has contributed to the development of clinical practise and research in reproductive health service delivery, sickle cell disorders, and perinatal HIV studies.

Dr. Ferguson further remarked that he was proud that the VJH could share in the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of The Queen’s reign by marking the occasion with the unveiling of the ‘Rings of Life’.

He noted that the sculpture is an embodiment of the theme of overcoming, “a fitting thematic occupation with the journey of life, especially given the longevity of The Queen’s reign”.

The sculpture, which took almost one year to create as a private initiative of Mr. Watson, is valued at over US$70,000. Mr. Watson donated the statue to the institution in the hope that it would lift the morale of staff, patients and visitors, as well as increase public awareness and empathy for the institution.

It is anticipated that to have Prince Harry unveil “The Rings of Life” will create greater public collateral for the hospital through widened public awareness.

Prince Harry, the younger son of Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana, is in Jamaica representing his grandmother, The Queen, as part of the international celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of her coronation.

The Prince is slated to make several stops in Kingston, Trelawny and Montego Bay before he departs on March 8. One of the most highly anticipated events was his meeting today with sprint king Usain Bolt at the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Usain Bolt Track, where he “beat” the reigning 100m Olympic Champion in a friendly race. He also listened to a moot debate by students at the UWI, Mona Law Faculty.

The Prince also toured the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the Rise Life Management Services in downtown Kingston.

On Wednesday (March 7), he will participate in a military exercise at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) headquarters and oversee the dedication of the JDF’s Rappelling Tower. He will co-pilot a helicopter to Falmouth where he will visit the William Knibb Baptist Church, Good Hope Great House, and the Falmouth Pier. He will also attend a Jamaica night reception and show at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay.

By Athaliah Reynolds-Baker, JIS Reporter