KINGSTON, Jamaica – Many persons diagnosed with heart disease, which is reported to be the number one leading cause of death in Jamaica and the Caribbean, will soon have access to world class treatment at a state of the art medical facility to be constructed by The Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ).
The non-governmental organization, through its thrust to raise funds to establish this facility, recently held a ‘Heroes of the Heart’ fund raising breakfast at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, where a host of corporate entities turned up to support the worthy cause.
The National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) was one of the corporate ‘heroes’, making a donation of $8.75million towards the initiative. Patrick Hylton, NCB’s Group Managing Director proudly stated that, “NCB answered the call to commit to this initiative which will impact the well-being of Jamaicans on a national level.”
Quoting Evander Holyfield Mr. Hylton emphasized “It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters” further stating “this sentiments mirrors NCB’s philosophy of not only doing well but also doing good and we are proud to be a donor to such a worthy cause.”
In addition to constructing the facility, the initiative spearheaded by The Heart Foundation of Jamaica will seek to use the resources contributed to reduce death and disabilities caused by the disease by addressing the ‘no risk group’ through education, screening and lifestyle changes. Deborah Chen, Executive Director of The Heart Foundation of Jamaica in her presentation encouraged others to support the initiative and thanked the institutions that have already stepped forward to provide the much-needed monetary assistance.
NCB was joined by other donors including, The National Housing Trust; Guardian Life and The National Health Fund. Wisynco also made a pledge during the function. The contributions made by these companies will be used in the long-term expansion of the HFJ facilitating more affordable heart care services to Jamaicans, including prescription medication, testing, screening and an onsite cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation program.
It is said that ‘a little child shall lead them’ and that was the case as, NCB’s presentation was heightened by four year old Shaday Afflick who along with Mr. Hylton presented the Bank’s contribution to Peter Bangerter, Secretary, Treasurer and one of the leading pioneers of the development of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.
