THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 WASHINGTON, DC: T HE NATIONAL Chest Hospital in Kingston is to benefit from a J$3.5-million gift from the RalRosa Foundation to purchase much-needed medical equipment. PRESIDENT OF Health Concepts International and chair of the RalRosa Foundation’s fundraiser which took place in June, Dr JacquiWatson, said the proceeds from RalRosa Foundation’s inaugural event was presented to the hospital on September 1. “Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right but many underserved communities in developed and developing countries go without this basic need, contributing to huge inequities,”Watson pointed out. The funds are expected to be used to purchase a portable diagnostic ultrasound machine for the hospital’s high-dependency unit, as well as a portable desktop spirometer for lung assessments. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks, who attended the June fundraiser, welcomed the donation, noting that “this $3.5- million gift to our public health systemwill have a substantial impact on the lives of many who depend on this hospital for access to quality healthcare”. The Ralrosa Foundation was established by the children and grandchildren of Keith Ralston and Phyllis Rosa Watson to honour their memory. Its mission is to support organisations, primarily in Jamaica and the Washington, DC metropolitan region, and to improve access to quality healthcare services and life-saving medical equipment. The second RalRosa Foundation fundraising event is slated for Sunday, June 25, 2023, on the beautiful grounds of the Hillwood Estate in Washington, DC. editorial@gleanerjm.com RalRosa Foundation gifts J$3.5 million to National Chest Hospital THE HOUSE of Representatives of the state of Delaware in the United States (US) paid tribute to Jamaica on the 60th anniversary of the country’s Independence. The citation was presented to Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US, Audrey Marks, by State Representative Sherry Dorsey Walker, during a dinner hosted by members of the Jamaican diaspora in Delaware, at the Hilton Willington Hotel on August 28, to commemorate the island’s diamond jubilee. HISTORICAL MOMENTS It stated that “This tiny island nation is no stranger to historical achievement. In the spirit of their Diamond Jubilee, we remember their great historical moments of the past 60 years.” In her remarks, Marks said, “Over the past 60 years, as a small island developing state, we have demonstrated a capacity to contribute to the human family, and we continue to defy expectations in many spheres, including in academia, arts and culture, diplomacy, sports, tourism, science and entertainment, to name just a few. “In so doing, the name ‘Jamaica’ resonates in pioneering efforts in some of these areas, gaining plaudits in others, while at the same time becoming synonymous with high performance.” Marks pointed out that “the past 60 years have also taught us that the road to success has its very own unique challenges, many of which demand our full attention and which we must confront together as a nation, if we are to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of those whose efforts form the backbone of our Jamaican society”. “I must take this opportunity of our diamond jubilee to salute all Jamaicans in the diaspora. You remain a valuable component of our national development strategy. The country continues to benefit tremendously from your enduring commitment to the island’s development, characterised by your generosity, investment in various sectors of the economy and, importantly, your strong interest in the day-to-day affairs of the country.” She also commended the persons who were presented with awards – artist Eunice Lafate and philanthropist Michael Campbell - noting that their “outstanding work is a tangible example to the value our diaspora holds”. “I thank the organisers of this event, Lorraine Badley, Rosemarie MacDonald and all the members of the Delaware Jamaica 60 organising committee for their work to have this celebration and, again, commend all the members of our diaspora for leaving an indelible mark in the Jamaican and Caribbean community in the United States, as well as back home in Jamaica,”Marks said. JIS Delaware hails Jamaica for 60 years of Independence Children and grandchildren of the late Keith and Phyllis Watson from left: Chad Price (grandson), Dr Jacqui Watson (daughter), Richard Watson (son) with grandchildren Edgar and Ella Kim Watson (daughter) and grandson Marcus Salandy DeFour. CONTRIBUTED A woman walks past the entrance to the National Chest Hospital. KENYON HEMANS/ PHOTOGRAPHER Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks (right), is joined by Rosemarie McDonald and Commissioner Lorraine Bradle, in cutting a cake to commemorate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence. Derrick Scott
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