GOVERNOR-GENERAL -- His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith on Thursday participated in the 22nd Annual Governor General’s Visit of Grand Bahama Health Services. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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Freeport, Grand Bahama – Governor General of The Bahamas, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith and his wife Lady Smith, were escorted on a tour of the newly renovated Rand Memorial Hospital on Thursday, December 17.
The tour was a part of the 22nd Annual Governor General’s Visit to Grand Bahama Health Services and was held under the theme “Expressing Gratitude and Inspiring Hope in a Supportive and Healthy Environment.”
During his address to a small gathering due to COVID-19 protocols, the Governor General likened the frontline workers to MVPs, but in this case, he said, they are very important people, as though working under challenges and adverse conditions due to the destruction of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, they continued to provide “outstanding, caring and professional service to patients.”
HOSPITAL TOUR – Although not furnished, the Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith and Lady Smith, officially toured the renovated Rand Memorial Hospital. The hospital was damaged during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 forcing staff and patients to evacuate the facility. Shown from left are: Hospital Administrator, Sharon Williams; Lady Smith; His Excellency; Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis; Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority, Catherine Weech; Architect. Donald Dean; Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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He said, “For many of you, the loss from Dorian is still evident in your lives, as I am told that many of you still await assistance. This, added to the personal loss of family members and friends, has, undoubtedly, scarred your hearts, but yet you are here – day in and day out, seeking to give the very best of yourselves to those most in need.”
Devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, followed by COVID-19 has added to the burden placed on the hospital and its reduced staff. International news has shown that all over the world hospitals and healthcare facilities have been challenged.
“I am proud to say that while this pandemic may have shaken the foundation of the Grand Bahama Health Services, clearly it could not destroy the indomitable spirit of its staff. Many of you, especially those who work on the frontlines, have come face-to-face with the death-stare of this fatal virus. You have seen your own colleagues fight for their very lives following exposure and infection. You have willingly accepted the isolation and quarantine protocols of this pandemic, and you have sacrificed time with your families to serve the human family first.
THE OPERATING THEATRE – While on tour of the renovated Rand Memorial Hospital, the delegates were shown one of the operating theatres. Shown from left are: MP for East Grand Bahama, K. Peter Turnquest; Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority, Catherine Weech; Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis; Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith and Lady Smith; Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe; and Hospital Administrator, Sharon Williams. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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“You are indeed the real heroes. To use a sports reference, the Professionals and Allied Workers of the Grand Bahama Health Services are the real MVPs (Most Valuable Persons).”
His Excellency then thanked the many partners and donors who have contributed to restoring healthcare infrastructure and services throughout the island.
As the holiday season is quickly approaching, the Governor General encouraged residents to adhere to the safety protocols to prevent the spread of the deadly virus by wearing masks, washing hands and sanitizing, social distancing and limiting the numbers at in-person gatherings.
Also present for the ceremony and tour were Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis who introduced the Governor General; Sen. The Hon. Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Finance & for the Ministry for Grand Bahama; the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest; Mrs. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister; Catherine Weech, Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority; Sharon Williams, Administrator, Grand Bahama Health Services, and other senior executives.
SIGNING – Before beginning the tour of the newly renovated Rand Memorial Hospital, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General of The Bahamas is seen signing the book. Looking on are his wife, Lady Smith, and Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority, Catherine Weech. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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