St James infirmary set to get new ward
THE ST. JAMES Parish Council has taken the first step in keeping its promise to provide better care for the less fortunate in the parish by breaking ground for the construction of a new ward at the St James Infirmary, in Montego Bay,
Montego Bay Mayor, Glendon Harris, who made the announcement while addressing the recent annual National Heroes’ Day Civic and Awards Ceremony in Sam Sharpe Square, also made an appeal to the citizens of the parish to play their part in caring for the residents at the infirmary.
“Our national heroes, and many unsung heroes, have demonstrated to us that we have a responsibility to look after the less fortunate,” said Harris.
“They taught us that we should help the needy and restore integrity and confidence within others; and they knew that the measure of civility of a nation is how they treat persons who cannot fend for themselves.
COUNCIL DECISION
“As a council, we have taken the decision to do exactly that, to ensure that we take care of the less fortunate,” continued Harris. “Two years ago, we started to secure the infirmary compound; and today we have completed that periphery wall. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new ward is a gesture to show our commitment to this project.”
The St James Parish Council had previously announced that it would put up an initial J$10 million towards the construction of the planned ward at the infirmary, which is located in the Albion community, located on the outskirts of Montego Bay. Some J$20 million was spent towards the completion of the periphery wall surrounding the five-acre property.
“The female ward is down, so we do not have a female ward; and the other ward is close to being down, so we are taking this step to ensure that those less fortunate in our parish, in our city, have a fitting place to reside and for us to take care of them,” continued Harris. “We do not have all the money or material, so it is for each and every one, every well-thinking Montegonian, to join us in ensuring that we complete that ward within the next five to six months.”