Mandeville, Manchester — The staff at the Manchester Infirmary in Grey Ground, Mandeville, got the opportunity to show off the first floor of their refurbished administrative block during an official opening ceremony held at the institution recently.

The first floor, which was officially opened by representatives of bauxite/alumina company Jamalco, the company’s Noble Foundation and the Manchester Parish Council, will now house the institution’s administrative staff and the matron’s office.

Refurbishing work on the first floor started last October during Jamalco’s Month of Service activities at which time the interior of the building was painted by Jamalco volunteers.

Upon realising that more work needed to be done on the building, the Noble Foundation subsequently contributed a $US20,000 grant to help with other upgrades.

The refurbished offices now boast freshly painted walls, new windows, doors, and tiles, as well as upgraded bathroom facilities for staff.

Speaking on behalf of Jamalco’s CEO Antonio Melo, General Counsel Sonia Mitchell explained that the company was committed to supporting the development of communities in its operating areas.

“We don’t lose sight of the needs of our host communities and try as best as we can to support those projects that have a positive impact on the community,” she said.

Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsay, who bemoaned the scarcity of resources to care for Manchester’s most needy residents, thanked Jamalco and the Noble Foundation for their investment in the infirmary. She also expressed the desire to see both organisations continue their partnership with the institution, noting, “We are grateful for what you have done and look forward to this continued partnership.”

Head of Corporate Strategy and Capital EMEA, Noble Group, Christophe Urtel, expressed his delight to be able to officially open the refurbished administrative offices and commended the Jamalco employees for making sure that the offices were refurbished. The Noble Group has majority ownership of Jamalco.

“Our elderly and children should not be left behind, and I am happy that the indigent and infirmed will continue to get good care”, said Winsome Wilkins, CEO of the charity group United Way of Jamaica.

Matron of the infirmary, Vivinne Grant, noted that the needs of the infirmary are great and require constant help from corporate Jamaica to meet its operational costs each month. “It takes cash to care and we are bursting at our seams. Thanks to Jamalco and the Noble Foundation for making our lives a little bit easier,” she said.