Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, was on Friday, December 2, 2016, was given a gift from the Grand Bahama Health Services during the 18th Annual Governor General's Visit to the Rand Memorial Hospital. Shown from left are: Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Perry Gomez; Calvin Parker, Patient Relations Supervisor; Dame Marguerite; Lakeisha Pinder, Bahamas Government Job Empowerment Apprentice; and Sharon Williams, Hospital Administrator. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
The tone of resilience and unity was echoed throughout the 18th Annual Governor General's visit to the Rand Memorial Hospital on Friday, December 2, 2016. Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of Commonwealth of The Bahamas, was on her third trip to the Rand. Also giving remarks during the event were Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Perry Gomez and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.
Noting the theme for the event was 'After the Storm: Rebuilding and Surviving' is important as residents restore the island to the standard they are used to, she said that Bahamians are resilient and know the importance of working together for the good of all.
"The month of October was very difficult as The Bahamas, Grand Bahama in particular, suffered the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew. The storm impacted many of our communities, however, West End was particularly devastated. The severe destruction which I witnessed has been a source of deep concern for all Bahamians. I know, as a result, that lives have been disrupted because many have either lost their homes or suffered extensive damages and businesses have been destroyed. In spite of your discomfort and lack of basic essentials you have remained strong and we give thanks to Almighty God that no lives were lost."
The Rand Memorial Hospital hosted Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling during the Annual Governor General's visit on Friday, December 2, 2016. Accompanying Dame Marguerite were: Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Perry Gomez; Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Herbert Brown, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority; and Hospital Administrator for the Rand Memorial Hospital, Sharon Williams (at far right). (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
The Governor General continued, "We Bahamians are a resilient people who understand the importance of working together for the common good of all and this was evidenced when the Health Services Sector quickly identified the most vulnerable in the society and took immediate steps to make sure that all health care needs were met despite personal losses and the imminent challenges which were presented in the immediate aftermath of the storm."
Dame Marguerite commended the health care providers for their persistence and "labour of love" that they provide for both country and community. As it is the Christmas season, she encouraged residents to share warm greetings and good cheer with their co-workers, and for those who are in a position to give gifts, they should do so as they do not know what it may mean to the recipient "as it may replace something that was lost." The Governor General closed her remarks by bringing blessings and joy to them and their patients during this Yuletide Season and with hope that the New Year meets them with good health, peace and prosperity.
During the Annual Visit of the Governor General to the Rand Memorial Hospital on Friday, December 2, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling (centre) was presented with a gift from Edmond Bain, a student of the Beacon School. During the ceremony, Bain read his speech in braille telling of his experience during Hurricane Matthew. Bain was accompanied by one of the teachers from the school. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
By Robyn Adderley
Bahamas Information Services
