KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Bustamante Hospital for Children, in Kingston, is expected to save $28 million in energy costs over the next 20 years, through the installation of a solar energy system.The system, which was donated by the Guardsman Group to power the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is a pilot project facilitated by Future Energy Corporation.

This donation was made possible through part proceeds from the staging of the 2017 Guardsman Games, an obstacle course race hosted by the Group, in partnership with the Jamaica National Group.

The system, which has already been installed, was officially handed over during a ceremony at the Arthur Wint Drive location of the hospital on Monday.

Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton, thanked Executive Chairman of the Guardsman Group, Kenneth Benjamin, for conceptualising the Guardsman Games, noting that he is pleased that the proceeds “go back to doing good.”

“He has ensured that the ICU is benefiting from this solar system which will create savings for us and, by extension, help us to carry out our functions in the environment of limited resources. So, we are always looking for partnerships. We are always looking for the opportunity to benefit in a very constructive way as we seek to advance good public health in our country,” he said.

Managing Director of the Guardsman Group, Vinay Walia, pointed out that the solar system will continue to provide green energy for up to 40 years and more.

He noted that the system will result in significant savings that can be directed towards the purchase of necessary equipment and infrastructure.

“The solar system is expandable and, one of the aims of Guardsman Games, going forward, is to challenge corporate entities and individuals to contribute towards the expansion of this system, so that we can provide reduced energy for other areas of the hospital and, ultimately, continue to improve care given to our nation’s future – its children,” he said.

In the meantime, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Bustamante Hospital for Children, Karlene Taylor McKenzie, expressed appreciation for the donation of the solar system.

“We are looking forward to the energy savings…as a result of implementation of this system. This will help us to reduce our energy costs as we strive to continue to offer first-class patient care to Jamaica’s most valuable assets – our children,” she said.