NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (JULY 31, 2013) — Members of Tender Care International (TCI) a non-profit organisation with intentions to enhance the health facilities on the island, visited the Alexandra Hospital and the Flamboyant Nursing Home with Deputy Premier in the Nevis Island Administration and Minister of Health Hon. Mark Brantley and Hon. Alexis Jeffers on July 31, 2013.
Also on the visit were two of three international reggae artistes from Jamaica who will perform at a benefit concert hosted by (TCI) at the Cultural Village on August 2, 2013, the proceeds of which will go towards the procurement of a Haematology Machine and a second Chemical Analyser for the Alexandra Hospital’s Laboratory. In brief remarks following an impromptu mini concert for the seniors, Mr. Brantley thanked the organisation and the artistes and urged the public to support the worthwhile venture.
“Obviously we’re having a really big show on Friday night being put on by Tender Care International, the proceeds of which go to aid the hospital and to aid our health care services and so I want to thank them for coming here, for singing for the seniors, impromptu concert. Probably it is a prelude of what’s to come on Friday.
“So the seniors on Nevis got the first taste of Duane Stephenson and Droop Lion live and direct singing in a cappella. I thank them for coming and I thank all of you for being here. God bless all of you, we look forward to a great Culturama and look forward to continued health care in Nevis for all of our people from the womb until they are seniors, we take care of them. Thank you and may God bless you all,” he said.
Meantime, TCI member and Surgeon at the Hospital who led the tour Dr. Cardell Rawlins explained why equipment for the lab was the first need that would be addressed.
“Basically the funds raised this year would be to buy a Haematology Machine that we need and the second a Chemical Analyzer because when it breaks down the technician comes from Miami and until he comes, we can’t do anything so we really need a second [and] that’s when Judith came in and decided to help us with assistance to buy a second chemical analyzer and a haematology machine.
“As we go down the road, next time my preference is on a CAT (computer axial tomography) scan machine,” he said.
During the tour, director of TCI Mr. Mackie France explained the reason behind Friday’s show.
“TCI is a charity organisation that Judith really started and the idea is to raise funds and proceeds can be used to purchase equipment. There are four pieces [of equipment] we are targeting one at a time and so we have a number of artistes from Jamaica…they have come here to put on a show for us, the people of Nevis and St. Kitts. We hope that we can give a good time and raise some money,” he said.
According to the Organisation’s website, Tender Care International was founded in 2013 in response to the lack of healthcare services, quality of current health equipment and infrastructure in under-resourced populations.
It said the organisation is committed to highlighting and addressing the most pressing global healthcare needs.
The organisation plans to host a Freedom Concert, in collaboration with the Nevis Culturama Festival on August 2, which will feature I-Octane, Duane Stephenson and Droop Lion. Tickets for the event are available at: Mem’s Pizzeria; Verlyn’s Snackette, Evelyn’s Drug Store, A-1 Technology, D-Lash Clothing and Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill for $60 ahead of the show and $70 at the gate.