PORT MARIA, St Mary — Thirty-three years ago when financial constraints hobbled a charity group’s efforts to continue supporting a facility for elderly women in St Mary, it had a profound impact on Stewart Mowatt.

After the facility shuttered its doors, he decided he had to find a way to help residents access a reliable source of health care and the idea for St Mary Medical Mission was born.

It took him a year to get it off the ground.

Today Mowatt and others from the parish cannot recall the name of the charity or the former care facility it supported; but it matters little. The medical mission has filled the gap.

“We have been here every year except during COVID. We are glad to be back, to see the people, to offer our services,” Mowatt told the Jamaica Observer during the latest visit earlier this month.

He is Jamaican but lives in the United States, the source of more than 55 volunteers who also offer their expertise during these visits. The group includes medical doctors, paediatricians, ophthalmologists, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and data entry clerks. Mowatt is a financial advisor.

In addition to providing medical care for those in need, the mission has identified many other ways in which to improve the lives of residents. It adopted the Albion Mountain Primary School, providing scholarships for students in need. It started out by helping three students. Now that number has climbed to 20. Each recipient receives US$300 each year. This year the school was also gifted with three laptops, a video camera and a projector at a total cost of US$8,000.

A few years ago the mission also made a significant contribution towards restoration of the St Mary Parish Church building and roof. Now it has its sights set on restoring the rectory.

Mowatt gets immense joy from these acts of kindness.

“I love the people and I love to give back to them,” he said.

The work done by him and members of the mission has left many impressed.

Among them is a man, who gave his name as Stanley, who was grateful he was able to see the ophthalmologist and receive medication. He would not have been able to afford it otherwise, he said.

Similarly impressed is Horace Marshall. He’s a member of the St Mary Parish Church and also one of the local volunteers. As he spoke, a large smile spread across his face, he helped a wheelchair-bound elderly woman make her way outside after being seen by doctors.

“The services they offer are good and many of our members of the congregation and others look forward to their yearly trip. It’s a blessing,” he said.