Businesswoman and former employee of then Scotiabank Icis A. Malone, right, hands over the funds raised for Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital to Director of Nursing Pearla Sylvester-Thomas. Photo: Team of Reporters

Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town, Tortola is also home to a few persons who have no place to go after being discharged. Photo: VINO/File

During her recent visits to the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, in Road Town, the capital city, especially the 5th floor, Mrs Malone told our newsroom she was overwhelmed and saddened by the many persons who have been living in the hospital for many years and do not have any family members to care for them. Photo: Team of Reporters

During her recent visits to the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, in Road Town, the capital city, especially the 5th floor, Mrs Malone told our newsroom she was overwhelmed and saddened by the many persons who have been living in the hospital for many years and do not have any family members to care for them.

I was teared up- Icis A. Malone

Mrs Malone noted that “some of these persons have given their lives to this community, where they held important positions.”

In a conversation, with a senior nurse, Mrs Malone revealed that the hospital staff takes good care of their homeless patients, bearing in mind that nursing is about caring. A senior nurse told her that they refer to one lady as “mother”  and often buy her ice cream, pat her on the shoulders, and tell her “how much we love her.”

Mrs Malone said she was moved and encouraged to do something to help the many homeless residents at the Dr D. Orlando Smith hospital as she also recognized that the nurses and doctors are often overworked themselves.

Mrs Malone, with a sprinkle of tears in her eyes, said “I love people, and I desire to make the lives of these homeless residents at the hospital feel loved and happy, especially during this holiday season.”

Funds raised through Mrs Malone's efforts

The concerns moved Mrs Malone to embark on a campaign to reach out to her friends and businesses in the community for financial assistance for this cause. She noted the feedback from most of whom she asked was positive and the monies received have been turned over to the hospital personnel (Director of Nursing Pearla Sylvester-Thomas) and will be used to support needy patients, a Christmas Tree, and decorations for the 5th floor.

The former Senior Compliance Officer at the then Scotiabank thanked all who contributed and was willing to support this worthy cause.

In conclusion, Mrs Malone noted that the structure of health services at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital “is second to none but without proper staffing, it will be difficult to carry out the mandate, which includes saving lives.”

The persons and companies who responded and gave financial contributions and in-kind support were:

Simmons Property Management - Garry Simmonds

Deputy Premier – Hon. Lorna G. Smith (Personal)

Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith (Personal)

Nanny Cay Hotel and Marina  - Miles Sutherland-Pilch

Mandar Development Ltd - Larry Frett

James Todman Construction -James Todman

Roy E. Barry (personal)

Julian Willock- Former Speaker of the House of Assembly (personal)

Beverly Hodge-Smith (personal)

Road Town Fast Ferry - Albion Hodge aka Bobby

Attorney Lisa E. Penn-Lettsome (personal)

Attorney Jerry Samuels (personal)

Conyers Dill & Pearman -Law Offices

Yo- Ma-Ma’s Kitchen -Claudette Williams

J. L.’s Excavating Ltd - Pipe

Former Legislator- Neville A. Smith

Bobby’s Supermarket- Elton S. Leonard

Crandall’s Pastry Plus- Rosetta Samuel