Roadtown, Tortola - Residents of the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly can now travel to the many recreational sites around the island in greater comfort.
A new Hyundai Country Bus valued at US $59,995 was dedicated during a brief ceremony yesterday morning. Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn OBE, QC were among the Government officials who participated in the ceremony.
The new bus can accommodate 17 persons seated and four wheelchairs. Both the Premier and Deputy Premier reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing for the Territory’s senior citizens in their remarks for the occasion. Honourable O’Neal also equated the dedication to the signing of an agreement with a foreign government in terms of the importance that his administration attached to it.
“We have got to take very good care of our senior citizens. It is no secret that the Deputy Premier is very serious when it comes to the care of our elderly, and I know she has been in many battles on behalf of the employees here at the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly,” he said.
In addition, the Premier expressed his deep gratitude to the staff of the Adina Donovan Home for their commitment in caring for the Territory’s senior citizens who reside there.
Honourable Penn thanked the Premier for his sustained financial and other support for the efficient operating of the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, which falls under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Development. She also brought greetings on behalf of Territorial-at-Large Representative the Honourable Irene Penn-O’Neal who was unable to attend the ceremony, but who is an advocate for the Adina Donovan Home.
“We are very committed as a Government to continuing to improve the quality of life for our seniors. We believe that this specially designed and equipped bus, we are making a major step in helping to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Adina Donovan Home,” noted Honourable Penn, while echoing the Premier’s appeal for the new bus to driven with care.
Other participants in the ceremony on August 19 were the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Mrs. Petrona N. Davies, who chaired the event; Dr. Lucia Woods, who performed the dedication and blessing of the new bus; Ms. Avis Rodgers, a resident of the home, who did the ribbon cutting; and Manager of the Adina Donovan Home Ms. Jasmine Joseph, who gave the vote of thanks.
The Government’s stated vision for the elderly includes providing for the Territory’s senior citizens by helping them to maintain active, healthy, and fulfilling lives. It is as a result of this commitment the Ministry of Health and Social Development purchased the custom-built Hyundai Country Bus, which will be used to transport residents of the Adina Donovan Home to various recreational sites, among other things.
The Ministry aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Virgin Islands.
British Virgin Islands News