On Wednesday, June 10th, the telecommunication services provider, FLOW, made a donation of 500 surgical masks and 50 N95 masks to the Health Authority of Anguilla (HAA). The presentation of the medical items was made at FLOW’s Telecoms House by Country Manager, Mr. Desron Bynoe, and they were received on behalf of the Health Authority by its CEO, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams.
In introducing the noble gesture, FLOW’s Commercial Lead Manager, Mrs. Jade Reymond-Richardson, said that the presentation was part of FLOW’s humanitarian efforts for precautionary measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Upon the presentation of the items, Mr. Bynoe noted: “While FLOW is about connecting communities, we also hold dear the improvement of the lives of those that we serve. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the availability of PPE remains a challenge, we donate with pleasure to the Health Authority of Anguilla these 500 surgical masks and 50 N95 masks.”
While acknowledging the important role of the health sector in our society, Mr. Bynoe stressed: “Our health sector is an essential pillar within the community that has been further amplified in the current COVID-19 environment. We hope that this donation helps to ease the burden — helps to provide a safer operating environment for our health care workers, and aid in the transformation of Anguillian lives.”
In thankfully accepting the donation, Mrs. Demis-Adams expressed her appreciation by saying: “I think we all can appreciate that the wealth of the nation depends upon the health of the nation. You must have health in order to get wealth. And that is evident all over the world. The pandemic has changed the way we do things. This donation from FLOW, a corporate citizen, is much appreciated. We know the importance of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), and these donated items will add to our stock that is needed to ensure that our clients and our staff are safe and protected.”
She noted that the policy of the HAA is that whenever any patient presents with a cough, or any respiratory symptom, he or she is provided with a mask which enables him/her to protect others. She was particularly grateful for the N95s which became a scarce commodity, since the pandemic began, and as a result the prices had risen astronomically.
Mrs. Demis-Adams emphasised: “It is with great appreciation, therefore, that I accept these masks not only on behalf of the Health Authority of Anguilla, but on behalf of the people of Anguilla. We are all in this together.”
The Anguillian inquired of Mr. Bynoe if it was intended that FLOW would assist the HAA on an ongoing basis. He responded: “We all have our challenges, especially in these crucial times, due to the pandemic. However, as a company we are always willing to partner with our community as much as we can.”
He continued: “I am sure that if we do identify other areas where the Health Authority requires some level of assistance, we will be get on board as needed. Our mission is connecting communities and transforming lives, and there is no better way to transform a life than through our health care system. As Mrs. Adams rightly said, the wealth of a nation is the in its health.”
- Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
