Foreign Affairs Ministry Hands Over Diaspora Donation to St. Elizabeth Infirmary
By: , February 6, 2025
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, presents a cheque, valued US$5,218, to Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation and Mayor of Black River, Councillor Richard Solomon, for the St. Elizabeth infirmary during a brief handover ceremony at the Ministry’s office in downtown Kingston on Wednesday (February 5). The funds were raised by Jamaicans living in the Washington DC (District of Columbia), Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area in the United States, during a church service to commemorate the island’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, shares in St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation Chairman and Mayor of Black River, Councillor Richard Solomon’s joy after presenting him with a cheque, valued US$5,218, for the St. Elizabeth Infirmary during a brief handover ceremony at the Ministry’s office in downtown Kingston on Wednesday (February 5). The funds were raised by Jamaicans living in the Washington DC (District of Columbia), Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area in the United States, during a church service to commemorate the island’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.The Full Story
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, on Wednesday (February 5), handed over a cheque, valued US $5,218, to the St. Elizabeth Infirmary on behalf of Jamaicans in the Diaspora.
The sum was raised by Jamaicans living in the Washington DC (District of Columbia), Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area in the United States during a church service to commemorate the island’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.
It will be used to enhance the services provided at the 100-year-old infirmary, which is home to less-fortunate individuals, some of whom were abandoned by their relatives.
Addressing the official handover ceremony on Wednesday (February 5) at the Ministry’s office in downtown Kingston, Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said the presentation represents more than just the delivery of a cheque.
“It is a testament to the power of compassion, a reflection of the connection to home, our sense of collective responsibility, and it’s another demonstration of the enduring partnership between the Government of Jamaica, the people of Jamaica and the people of our diaspora,” she said.
Senator Johnson Smith acknowledged the resourceful and committed members of the diaspora for being steadfast partners to Jamaica and the Jamaican people.
She further commended Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, and the Diplomatic Mission in Washington DC for hosting the church service.
“These annual services foster a sense of community and thanksgiving among Jamaicans overseas and provide an opportunity to support charitable organisations and institutions in Jamaica,” the Minister added.
Senator Johnson Smith said diaspora engagement has been a strategic priority for the Ministry, with various mechanisms established to address interests in national development and facilitate philanthropic outreach.
She also commended the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation and the staff of the Infirmary for their work in safeguarding vulnerable persons.
Minister Johnson Smith expressed confidence that the funds will be used effectively and efficiently to enhance the services provided at the facility.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Corporation and Mayor of Black River, Councillor Richard Solomon, conveyed gratitude for the donation.
He noted that the infirmary provides for its residents in a home-style situation where all their domestic, personal, social and medical needs are met, adding that the donation will go a far way by, “adding premium to their lives”.