FREEPORT, St James — Despite falling short of the $10-million target, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) on Monday handed over $5 million in funds raised from a telethon held for the ailing Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James.

The symbolic handing over took place during a brief ceremony at the chamber’s Freeport office.

“Within one month and a few days, we have managed to raise $5 million. So, it’s a wonderful effort. I want to thank our partners, such as the Chinese community that gave a whopping $2 million,” said telethon committee Chairman Dominic Shaw who noted that raising well-needed funds is never easy.

He also thanked the Indian community for its significant contribution, businesswoman and chamber director Angella Whitter for her role in ensuring the funds raised reached $5 million, the call centre that provided its services, as well as the chamber’s board of directors.

MBCCI President Janet Silvera noted that despite not making the $10m, she was “still happy that we were able to make some money to donate to this facility which is critical to the city.”

She appealed to residents to do more.

“I’m imploring the residents of Montego Bay to start thinking about Cornwall Regional Hospital as fi dem hospital. It is not the Government of Jamaica hospital. It is the people of Montego Bay that must buy into this hospital and ensure that it survives,” urged Silvera.

Under her three-year leadership (she will be demitting office later this month), the chamber provided $3-million worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the hospital during the onset of the novel coronavirus in 2020. In 2021, frontline workers at the institution were given a treat. This year’s donation of $5 million is just the latest in the chamber’s efforts to support the health facility.

On Monday, an appreciative senior medical officer for CRH Dr Derek Harvey thanked the MBCCI for its continued support.

“On behalf of all of us — training staff, medical staff, nursing staff — a big thank you. I know whatever we have in mind, and we have many projects which are in line…we are very happy to say that it will benefit not only the hospital, but the people of St James and beyond. We will keep in touch because you have continued to encourage us despite many difficulties that we had in the last few years,” he said.

“The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce has been behind us. They… ask how we are doing and the rest of the team continues to ask on behalf of the chamber how we are getting on. That in itself is encouragement. This, of course, you may think is a small amount; certainly not. It will go a far way. We will cherish it; and certainly, in memory and in terms of dedication, you will hear what you have provided,” the SMO added.

The telethon was held under the theme ‘A fi wi hospital’. Funds raised will go towards the $50 million needed to purchase equipment for the Type A facility. This includes infusion pumps, portable X-ray machines and arterial blood gas machines for the paediatrics department. A portable ultrasound machine, arterial blood gas machine and trolleys for the CRH Accident and Emergency Department are also needed.