The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica has lauded the Andrews Memorial Hospital for its excellence and commitment to healthcare. He was speaking at the hospital’s 80th anniversary thanksgiving service held on April 6, 2024, at the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston, Jamaica.
Speaking to an attentive congregation Prime Minister Holness in referencing the theme, “80 Years—Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future: Healing, Compassion, Innovation,” said:
“Andrews Memorial Hospital embodies excellence in the healthcare sector. Yet, what truly sets Andrews Memorial Hospital apart is its unwavering commitment to wholistic health, a principle deeply rooted in the beliefs and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”
“This wholistic approach to health is reflected in the hospital’s diverse range of services including the outpatient clinic, dental clinic, imaging, and laboratory services pharmacy. Moreover, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica has been a steadfast ally in the fight against non-communicable diseases, partnering with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and endorsing initiatives such as Jamaica Moves.”
The historical journey from 1943, when the officers of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist and the Inter-American Division saw the need for a healthcare facility in the region, was presented in a video report which chronicled the birth of Andrews Memorial Hospital in 1944, at 27 Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica, named in honour of the medical missionary John N. Andrews.
“As we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this significant moment, we must give God thanks for His goodness, which keeps running after us,” Mr Donmayne Gyles, President/CEO, of the hospital in his address acknowledged past leaders, key stakeholders, and corporate partners.
He thanked the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Medical Council of Jamaica, the Nursing Council of Jamaica, the United States Embassy, the Indian High Commission, Adventist-layman’s Services and Industries (ASI), the GSI Foundation Jamaica, and “all other suppliers of goods and services. It is through your hard work, commitment, and shared vision that we have been able to fulfil our mission of extending Christ’s healing ministry to all those in need.”
Mr Gyles further thanked the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Tai family “for laying the platform by which we will establish a dialysis unit within our hospital.”
He said a collaboration with Adventist Health International (AHI) and Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), which, through a grant obtained, helped with the upgrade of our Medical Laboratory, which will aid clinical research and later the accreditation of the lab.
He also added that there was a longstanding partnership with AdventHealth (formerly Florida Hospital), which, through its influence, contributed a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit and most recently announced the contribution of a Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), which is scheduled for shipment soon.
“Both systems will be operational within this calendar year and help bolster our service,” said Mr. Gyles.
Mr. Monty Jacobs, Director of Global Missions, AdventHealth, in his greetings on behalf of Terry Shaw, President, AdventHealth; Dr. Audrey Gregory, Vice President, AdventHealth and Executive sponsor for Andrews Memorial Hospital; Adventist Health International (AHI) President Dr. Dick Hart and Dr. D.P Harris, who is also the AHI Representative on the AMH Board explained both hospitals are united in its mission.
“Both Andrews Memorial Hospital and AdventHealth aspire not only to provide physical healthcare to those who enter their doors, but also to bring whole-person care — mind, body, and spirit — to their communities under a common mission: to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” said Mr. Jacobs.
Pastor Everett Brown, Chairman of the AMH Board and President of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church, during his divine service charge affirmed the current AMH team who listened with rapt attention.
“Today we have come to celebrate your service and ministry to people, to celebrate with you the contribution made by those who laid the foundation and continue to carry the baton of Christian service here at Andrews Memorial Hospital during the past eight decades,” expressed Pastor Brown.
“The love, care, compassion and excellent service and ministry that the members of the AMH team offer people in their pain, people who are depressed, confused, traumatized and hopeless, is an extension of the Healing ministry of Jesus,” added Pastor Brown.
Representing His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, was the Honourable Marcia Bennett, Custos Rotolorum for the parish of St Thomas. She read his congratulatory message.
Sir Patrick Allen once served as President of Jamaica Union Conference (formerly West Indies Union Conference) between 2000 and 2009 and was also a former chairman of the Andrews Memorial Hospital Board.
“As a former chairman, I pay tribute to the dedicated leadership who have built on the proud legacy of medical excellence. Like the oak, you have weathered the challenges of human and financial resources through strategic partnerships with local and overseas institutions. You have been able to continue carrying out your vision and your mandate to be a leader in health care excellence.”
Speaking on behalf of the Opposition Leader, Mr Mark Golding, Senator Dr Floyd Morris articulated his profound congratulations to the AMH on achieving this significant milestone.
“You see, in my conversation with the opposition leader, he reminded me that 1944 constituted a critical juncture in the history of Jamaica because it was the year when we were granted universal adult suffrage.”
“But to put the icing on the cake came the birth of the Andrews Memorial Hospital. It was a part of a plethora of institutions formulated over the past 80 years to build this vibrant democracy in Jamaica.”
Senator Morris continued, “We have institutions that have served the country well, whether in the private or the public sector, and Andrews Memorial Hospital has done extremely well over the past eighty years. Indeed, the institution has stamped its class as one of Jamaica’s best private health care facilities, and some will stretch it and say even in the Caribbean.”
Adding his congratulations, Pastor Meric Walker, President of East Jamaica Conference who represented the field and Institutional leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church informed,
“In 1944 the Jamaican community of Seventh-day Adventist gave birth to triplets, the East and West Jamaica Conferences and the Andrews Memorial Hospital. We are now grown adults, and we celebrate on the continuum of praise.”