and Mr. Joe Vager
The Department of Health Services unveiled Anguilla’s first public sector mammography machine at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Welches Polyclinic (Ann-Victoria “Tota” Smith Polyclinic) on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7th, 2026. A capacity crowd filled the waiting lounge of the clinic to witness the introduction of the highly specialized GE equipment.
Provision of the much needed mammography machine was made possible through the benevolent gesture of Gary and Connie Sharpe, who continues to be extremely instrumental in donating aid to Anguilla’s healthcare services sector.
The ceremony opened with strains of the National Anthem and the Anguilla National song, followed by a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving offered by Director of Health Support Services, Mrs. Linnet Carty. Welcome and opening remarks were given by Health Services Commissioner, Mr. Malcolm Webster.
“I am indeed honoured to bring brief remarks on behalf of the Department of Health Services,” he said. “This is such a special and historic occasion. It is special because we are bringing back ‘things’ to Welches, and it is historic simply because it is the first time that we are being able to offer mammography services in the public sector of Anguilla.
He expressed the fact that the ceremony highlighted a proud achievement for Anguilla’s healthcare system as well as a proud moment for Anguilla’s community. He acknowledged the presence of Diego Muniz and Joe Vager, representatives of General Electric at Global Medical in the Dominican Republic, who assisted him by recommending the qualities of the GE model, and who guided him through the actual sourcing of the machine.
“In making the decision to select this equipment among so many other options, “Mr. Webster said, “we looked at several factors. We looked at our clinics and what would be needed, and we looked at what the issues are in Anguilla. Breast cancer continues to affect many families across the region, across the world and, of course, in Anguilla.”
“Having this service available within our public health sector,” he said, “will provide us with greater opportunities for women to access timely care. Of course, as it relates to anything that is health-related, time is of the essence…”
“Today is not just about a machine,” he said. “It is about hope. It is about prevention; it is about dignity; it is about the continued advancement of healthcare in Anguilla. It is about ensuring that our residents have access to essential services that support healthier life-styles and outcomes. That means we would have healthier families, and hopefully, less funerals.”
“As we celebrate this milestone,” he opined, “let us work together to continue to improve healthcare and health awareness. We want to encourage our women to do regular screening and support the building of a healthier Anguilla.”
Radiologist, Cheryl Dangleben, also spoke from the angle of prevention, emphasizing that early detection saves lives. “It really is that simple,” she stressed. “A mammogram can detect what the eye cannot see, giving women the chance to prevent or treat breast cancer before it becomes a life threatening issue. This new unit provides that this life-saving power is right here at the Welches Polyclinic.”
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to brilliant hardworking healthcare professionals, our generous donors, the Sharpes, our partners and our community leaders who believed in this project. Your dedication has turned vision into reality and reality into hope. As we know, breast cancer is common. However, survival rates can reach 90% with effective and timely diagnosis,” Ms. Dangleben affirmed.
“Today we open a door to a healthier future and lots more tomorrows,” she said. “Let’s ensure that every woman in Anguilla walk through this door to be checked and screened.”
Senior Health Advisor, Evan McNeil Rogers, in speaking about the new machine, focused his address primarily on expressing his thanks for all who had been involved in procuring the machine, but he especially put on record his appreciation and gratitude to the donors, Garry and Connie Sharpe.
He stated in part: “I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project. I would say thanks to our GE representatives, and I thank Malcolm and his team for their hard work and commitment.”
“I want to particularly thank the folks at GE,” he continued, “for fully sponsoring our visit to the Dominican Republic so that Malcolm and I could see firsthand and examine the specialized equipment. We just did not look at the machines from a catalog and decide that we were going to select this one. But thanks to GE, we were given the opportunity to actually witness demonstrations of the machine’s capabilities.”
He described how the conversation about the mammography machine took place over lunch with him and the Premier last year at DaVida’s Restaurant. “Connie asked me: ‘what project, in particular, can we contribute to in the local health system here. I told her we cannot do any mammography through the Government health services in Anguilla. She immediately told me to go and get what we need and send her and Garry the invoice. (lusty audience applause)
“When we finally sourced the machine, Gary inquired about its warranty. I told him that it was brand new equipment so it would have a one-year warranty. But he said, ‘No, that is not enough. Go and get it for five years. So here we have a brand new mammogram machine, with a five year warranty, parts and labour covered, with the original invoice, thanks to Gary and Connie Sharpe.”
The machine costs US$425,000.
Mr. Sharpe was also given the opportunity to address the gathering. Being a man of faith, he said that he was taught that you don’t go to Heaven by doing good works. “You get to Heaven through salvation,” he said. “But I have proven that doing good works helps people, and it makes us feel good. So we love doing good things for Anguilla, and we are blessed that we can do it…We are indebted to you…Everyday, we should do something to make the world a better place.”
Mrs. Sharp also spoke: “We had learnt that you could not do a mammography here. You had to go to St. Maarten, which takes up time and money, and it is not so convenient. But ladies, you have the opportunity now, so take advantage of it. In that way you can see your children develop, and you can see your grand children grow as well.”
Presenting closing remarks before the actual ribbon cutting was the Honourable Minister of Health, Mr. Cardigan Connor. He also expressed his appreciation to the Sharpes for such a generous contribution, as well as to Health Advisor Evan McNeil Rogers.
“I must say thank you to the Premier who assigned me the responsibility for the Ministry of Health, but I am eternally grateful to the Honourable Evan McNeil Rogers for the role that he plays in Anguilla’s healthcare system.”
“Breast cancer has affected many households in Anguilla,” he said. “And I want to thank the Sharpes so much for what they have done here in providing this much needed mammogram machine. Let’s go and spread the word that prevention is better than cure.”
By: James R. Harrigan
