Nevis Mental Health Unit receives anonymous donation for outreach programme; Health Minister deems gift generous

Deputy Premier and Hon. Mark Brantley hands over keys to a new Suzuki APV Mini Bus donated anonymously for use by the Mental Health Unit in its outreach programme while Mental Health Nurse Manager Meredith Amory-Field looks on

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (SEPTEMBER 12, 2013) — Deputy Premier and Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Mark Brantley hailed the gift of a new Suzuki APV Mini Bus for the Mental Health Unit, from donors who wished to remain anonymous, as a generous one.

Mr. Brantley made the comment while he handed over the keys to the new vehicle to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Judy Nisbett at a brief but significant ceremony at the grounds of the TDC Automotive Division at Pinneys on September 11, 2013.

“When the Mental Health Unit approached and indicated that they needed some transportation, I believe everyone knows that the Administration is suffering financially at this point in time and so, I reached out to some donors who preferred to remain anonymous but they responded with alacrity.

“I want to record my very deep appreciation to them, my thanks to them that today we are here and in partnership with TDC as well, who were very responsive in terms of allowing us some discount on the price of this vehicle. We now have a brand new vehicle for the Mental Health Unit in Nevis, at no cost to the Nevis Island Administration or the tax payers of Nevis through the kindness and generosity of a group of concerned Nevisians, concerned residents, people who have come here who love this island and so I would like to thank them,” he said.

The new Suzuki APV Mini Bus anonymously donated to the Ministry of Health in the Nevis Island Administration for use by the Mental Health

The Health Minister told Dr. Nisbett he looked forward to the community’s benefit and that of the health care sector. He said he was also hopeful that the appropriate care would be taken of the vehicle so that the donors would recognise the gift was of great value to the people of Nevis.

Mr. Brantley also seized the moment to hand over the cheque from the donors to Head of TDC Automotive Department on Nevis Mr. Anthony Nisbett and commended the Company for its assistance in the venture.

“I must commend Mr. Nisbett for his quick response and his corporation. This process took a while; we had to order the vehicle. There weren’t any in stock. He has been very helpful. He has licensed it. Mr. Nisbett on behalf of the donors who wish to be anonymous, I am very pleased to present you with this cheque for this vehicle that we have here for the benefit of the Mental Health Unit,” he said.

Meantime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mrs. Nicole Liburd pointed out that the Psychiatric Unit at the Ministry of Health was a community-based programme and therefore the availability of transportation was of critical importance to reach clients.

Deputy Premier Hon. Mark Brantley hands over a cheque from unanimous donors for the new Suzuki APV Mini Bus they donated for use by the Mental Health Unit in its community outreach programme while (middle l-r) Mental Health Nurse Manager Meredith Amory-Field and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Judy Nisbett look on

“There are over 400 persons on the Mental Health Register and it is very important that we have access to these persons in the community.

“So we are very grateful for this generous donation, it’s an anonymous donation and we wish to record our thanks to those who have contributed. On behalf of the Ministry of Health we take the opportunity to recognise your partnership and your initiative in facilitating access to persons in the population with regards to health,” she said.

In brief remarks, Dr. Nisbett recorded her gratefulness on behalf of the Mental Health Unit and explained that Mental Health was one of the seven priority areas as listed in the Ministry of Health’s strategic plan, alongside other conditions such as chronic diseases. She said the donation comes in very handy for the Ministry to meet its goals.

“One of the important aspects of our Mental Health programme is our outreach programme. We visit our patients at home, at work. As a matter of fact we visit them wherever we can reach them. In addition we are on call 24 hours a day for any urgent or emergency calls and therefore this vehicle comes in extremely handy.

“Last year in 2012, we did 1,402 community visits, so you can see the importance of this vehicle. I therefore want to say again thanks to our donors and please express our sincere gratitude to them,” she said.

Mental Health Nurse Manager Meredith Amory-Field (5th from left) delivering remarks while other staff at the Ministry of Health including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Nicole Slack-Liburd (second from right), Minister Hon. Mark Brantley (3rd from right) and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Judy Nisbett (4th from right) look on

Mental Health Nurse Manager Meredith Amory-Field also delivered remarks. She thanked the Ministry of Health, the donors and those who had provided transportation to the Unit over the past 10 months.

“We are very, very happy to have this vehicle because, once again, we would be able to respond readily to the needs of persons in the community.

“I wish to name a few persons in the Ministry of Health, Hyacinth Clark, drivers William Perkins and Paeria Skeete for their patience and support in providing us with transportation. We pledge to take care of this vehicle and we are hoping that it will have a long life and give many years of service,” she said.

In conclusion, Manager of TDC’s Automotive Division Anthony Nisbett, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company thanked all for the patronage and stated that the company was pleased to be part of the venture. He said all would be done to ensure that the vehicle was cared for under its warranty period.

The Suzuki APV Mini Bus seats eight persons, has automatic transmission with power windows, power door locks and central locking.