KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Sagicor Foundation has sought to clarify how funds raised from the 2023 Sigma Corporate Run were used, stating that the proceeds allocated to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) were spent on the purchase of a CT scan machine for the institution.

In a release on Wednesday, the foundation said the 2023 event raised $91,852,500 to support two beneficiaries, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and UHWI’s Paediatric Unit.

“In 2023, the event raised $91,852,500 to support two causes: Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and the UHWI’s Paediatric Unit. Sagicor Foundation can confirm that in 2024, US$495,000 (approximately $79,200,000) was paid to an authorised Philips distributor to acquire a CT scan machine for UHWI,” the foundation stated.

The clarification followed comments from Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) spokesman on health, Dr Alfred Dawes, who said in a press release that information had emerged suggesting that approximately $75 million raised for UHWI’s paediatric ward may have been diverted from its stated purpose without consultation with the hospital’s paediatric department.

READ: Dawes calls for full accounting on use of J$75m raised for UHWI Paediatric Unit

“These revelations are troubling and deeply concerning,” Dawes said. “Funds raised in the name of sick children, with the goodwill of thousands of Jamaicans, athletes, and corporate partners, must be used strictly for the purpose promised. Any deviation from that commitment demands immediate and full explanation.”

Dawes also called on the UHWI administration to provide a detailed public accounting of the funds, outlining how much was spent, on what, and what remains outstanding.

In its response, the Sagicor Foundation said it was advised by the supplier that the CT scan machine was shipped in early December 2025 and is expected to arrive in Jamaica in February 2026.

“Sagicor, and by extension, Sagicor Foundation Jamaica is always transparent about the use of the funds raised and the full proceeds are shared amongst beneficiaries, in line with the foundation’s governance framework,” the foundation said.