As hospitals in the north and west continue to reel from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, the Sandals Foundation has injected $6-million worth of equipment and resources to help the Bustamante Hospital for Children accept and care for the critically ill neonates, babies, and children that are being transferred to Kingston.
A suite of machines and supplies including neonatal ventilator, infusion pump, blood gas analyzer, catheter, blood pressure machine, humidifier, nebulizer/ suction machine, IV Pole, exam light and more have been purchased by the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International – building the capacity of the island’s only specialist paediatric hospital.
“Four of our island’s major paediatric centres have been affected by the Hurricane, so here at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, we have made a commitment that we will take the paediatric surgical patients, because we have the surgical specialists, the neonates, and any other sub-specialties such as cardiology, renal patients, and more,” says Dr. Michelle-Ann Dawson, Chief Medical Officer at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.
“It’s going to be difficult for parents because some may have to be separated temporarily from their families, but we are also looking at how we can support the parents with care packages, with information, dialogue, and psychological support,” continued Dawson.
Within days of the island being hit by the category 5 storm, members of the philanthropic organisation were in dialogue with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to determine critical resources needed to strengthen the services and capacity that were anticipated.
Heidi Clake, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation says, “Our children and healthcare are two areas that resonate with us especially in times of emergency. Being able to work alongside the Ministry of Health and our doctors and nurses that are working round the clock to serve those most affected - we are very pleased to be able to hand over this equipment that we hope will help in the weeks ahead until our other hospitals are able to recover.”
Within hours of receiving the equipment from local suppliers Jamaica Hospital Supplies and Medical Link, Head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dr. Carmen ‘Cindy’ Rhoden, reported success in caring for a patient that was transferred from the west. “We are happy that with your donations yesterday, we were able to give the best care to a preterm neonate 26 weeks gestation weighing only 830g that we accepted last night.”
The Bustamante Hospital for Children is the only specialist paediatric hospital in the English Speaking Caribbean and Jamaica’s major referral hospital. The institution which serves patients 0- 12 years old, provides a wide range of service including Cardiology, Neurology, Asthma/\Respiratory, Nephrology, Neurosurgery, Urology, Ophthalmology, Cardio-thoracic, and Dental.
For Dr. Sharon McLean-Salmon, Paediatric Hematologist Oncologist, the donated supplies will also enhance the care of patients with cancers and serious blood disorders.
“We have received two equipment which are essential for our team in terms of managing patients who are affected with cancer and who need intense monitoring to ensure that they are stable and doing well while receiving lifesaving treatment.”
According to the United Nations, around 1.5 million Jamaicans have been impacted by the category 5 storm with 7 parishes being the most significantly affected. The Bustamante Hospital in Kingston will provide a place of refuge to patients from the paediatric centres at the Savanna-La-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James, and the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny.
UK and local athletes Complete the Ultimate Island Challenge and Raise £100,000 for Saint Lucia’s Special Care Baby Unit
It was a formidable show of strength and will as more than 30 local and international athletes completed 4-exciting days of run, kayak, cross country rainforest trek, and a volcanic hike of Gros Piton successfully raising an extraordinary £100,000 for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex and an additional £30,500 to support wider paediatric healthcare in the Caribbean.
The humidity, heat, and threat of an impending tropical weather system were no match for the participants in the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge as they displayed determination and incredible sportsmanship, supporting each other every step of the way.
“I think I and everyone else is 100% been motivated by the amazing cause that we are doing it all for,” said international athlete representing TripAdvisor, Ashley Jones. For local athlete Bianca Young representing Fauna and Flora International, the event created bonds, “We shared stories about our individual physical endurance experiences that really pushed our bodies and that bonded us.”
Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony at Sandals Halcyon Resort on Monday, October 20, Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation described Island Challenge Saint Lucia as a resounding success.
“The ability to not just showcase the beauty of Saint Lucia over these past four days to journalists, and travel partners, but to do all this in the name of building the capacity of healthcare to change the outcomes for children is something that we can’t really put a value to.”
“We have seen how beneficial this Island Challenge has been in both Antigua and St. Vincent and how the hospitals and the families have benefited from this,” Clarke continued, “We are extremely grateful to everyone who have come on board to make this possible. We are looking forward to next year and are excited to announce that in due course.”
Executed in partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association Tourism Enhancement Fund, this weekend’s event will see the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts purchase a suite of lifesaving equipment for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex. These will include a neonatal ventilator or life support machine, a nesting system, infant warmer, incubator, infusion pump, jaundice meter and infant blankets to stabilize and treat complications that may arise from infections or preterm births especially within the first 28-days.
Dr. Lashorn Christian, Head of the Paediatric Department at Millenium Heights Medical Complex in expressing gratitude noted, “We are truly grateful for the pledge of equipment for which each is part of a vital list needed by the Special Care Baby Unit to support the survival and recovery of neonates.”
On Friday, October 17 over 30 local and international athletes started the ultimate 4-day test of physical and mental endurance executing a 10Km run from Sandals Halcyon Resort in Castries to Sandals Grande Resort in Pigeon Island Gros Islet, 10km sea kayak from Sandals Grande to Sandals Halcyon, a cross country rainforest trek from Micou to Fond St. Jacque in Soufriere on day 2, a 12km half marathon run from Pigeon Island to Sandals La Toc on day 3, and ending on Monday with a volcanic hike up the Gros Piton.
The event, the first of its kind on the island was also successfully executed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024 and in Antigua and Barbuda in 2023.
“There is power in the strength of the tourism network to effect real and sustainable change. We are incredibly honored to be in a position to connect with our incredible local and international travel and corporate partners to make this event a reality. Today, we have witnessed the global love for St. Lucia and children of the Caribbean,” Karen Zacca Director of Operations at the Sandals Foundation.
Local partners of the event include CPJ Saint Lucia, Island Routes, Harris Paints International, Caribbean Metals Limited, Superior Tours, Carnival Sailing, Excel Signs, Amicus Legal, Nico Tours, Grew Industries 1989 Ltd., Acado St. Lucia, Golden Egg Farms, RJB Hotel Supplies, and Heineken. While the list of international partners making the event possible are British Airways, Mobile Media, Mail Metro Media Group, RedPill, Accord Marketing, TTG Media, TripAdvisor, Hays Travel, Hearst, Threadneedle Media, The InPrint Group, EightandFour, Air Canada Vacations, and WeTransfer.
UK and local athletes tackle Saint Lucia’s Streets, Forest, and Sea to Support Paediatric Healthcare
It was an exciting start on Friday, October 17 for over 30 local and international athletes who are taking the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance in the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge.
Beginning with a 10Km run from Sandals Halcyon Resort in Castries to Sandals Grande Resort in Pigeon Island Gros Islet, the athletes adorned the streets with police escort in tow pushing through the sun’s intense rays and smelting heat.
The team then journeyed via kayaks back to Sandals Halcyon, with the breathtaking landscape and St. Lucia’s mountains and coastline making the perfect backdrop.
On Saturday, the course took participants through the rainforest, taking on a 3-and a half hour cross country hike beginning at Micoud to Fond St. Jacque, Soufriere with lead local guide Adam Toussaint. And on Sunday, they faced a half marathon run from Pigeon Island to Sandals La Toc.
The event, the first of its kind on the island and third installment in the Caribbean by the philanthropic organization is designed to raise £100,000 to purchase lifesaving equipment such as a neonatal ventilator or life support machine, a nesting system, infant warmer, incubator, infusion pump, jaundice meter and infant blankets for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex.
On Monday the group will brave the hike up the volcanic Gros Piton, bringing a close to the historic event.
UK Athletes Visit Special Care Baby Unit Ahead of Historic Island Challenge
According to the World Health Organization the first 28 days are the most delicate for a newborn with the highest risk of death. Lifesaving equipment to stabilize and treat complications that may arise from infections or preterm birth plays a crucial role in survival and recovery.
For 30 United Kingdom residents, this reality was made clear when they visited the Special Care Baby Unit at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex on Thursday, October 16. Hosted by the Sandals Foundation, the group will join 6 local athletes to bravely take on a half marathon, rainforest trek 12km run, 10km sea kayak and a grueling hike up the Gros Piton to raise £100,000 to purchase the most vital equipment needed by the hospital department.
The 2025 Sandals Foundation Island Challenge which takes place October 17 – 20 showcases the strength of the tourism network to bring the power of hope to life. The fundraiser aims to purchase a suite of equipment that includes a neonatal ventilator or life support machine, a nesting system, infant warmer, incubator, infusion pump, jaundice meter and infant blankets. This, coupled with a 1-year warranty coverage, will aid the medical team at the island’s largest public health facility to save lives.
“Each piece of equipment that has been pledged to the SCBU will significantly improve the quality of care we are able to provide for families in their most vulnerable time,” says Dr. Lashorn Christian, Head of Paediatric Department at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex . “The ventilator is a critical device for neonates, particularly those who are premature or have problems breathing. It stands as a gold standard for care and can help in a baby’s survival and recovery.”
“The Infusion pump,” Dr. Christian continued, “allows us to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients to the newborn and the jaundice meter will help us monitor bilirubin levels which if left untreated, high levels can result in cerebral palsy, deafness as well as other neurological damage and impairment.”
For Tiger Whiteley, a UK donor and participant, the visit to the paediatric department was quite emotional. “It hit home quite powerfully because I lost my little brother when he was 23-weeks and I just saw a 23-week child in the SCBU. I’m really proud of the investment that I have contributed to this foundation, and I really respect everyone supporting this amazing cause - supporting families that are going through what my family went through 25 years ago.”
The visit Whitely says has ignited a stronger determination to complete the challenge. “I am from a fitness background but I’ve never actually run a half marathon. This is a big new challenge for me, I think the climate will be a bit of a challenge but … the experience I have just had (at the hospital) will definitely push me through.”
Now in its third year, the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge has been a movement of hope. The event, which stands as the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance has in 2024, provided support to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and in 2023, its inaugural year, to the Paediatric Unit of Mount St. John's Medical Centre in Antigua.
Mrs. Tessa Inglis, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, expressed gratitude for the partnership noting, “The generosity of the Sandals Foundation and its partners will make a tangible difference in the care we provide to newborns in Saint Lucia. The new equipment will enhance our ability to deliver timely, high-quality care to our most vulnerable patients.”
In closing Karen Zacca, Director of Operations at the Sandals Foundation, says the event has mobilized the world. “This Challenge is in no uncertain terms a worldwide community effort. From the generous support of donors right across the world to the local and international partners that have helped to cover critical operational costs – we are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support to strengthen paediatric health in Saint Lucia.”
Among the list of international partners making the event possible are British Airways, Mobile Media, Mail Metro Media Group, RedPill, Accord Marketing, TTG Media, TripAdvisor, Hays Travel, Hearst, Threadandneedle Media, The InPrint Group, Air Canada Vacations, and WeTransfer. Here in Saint Lucia, local partners include the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association Tourism Enhancement Fund, CPJ Saint Lucia, Island Routes, Harris Paints International, Caribbean Metals Limited, Superior Tours, Carnival Sailing, Excel Signs, Amicus Legal, Nico Tours, Grew Industries 1989 Ltd., Acado St. Lucia, Golden Egg Farms, RJB Hotel Supplies, and Heineken.
