26th August 2010
Whither St. Jude’s?

In approximately two weeks, on September the 9th, we shall be looking at the first anniversary of the devastation of St. Jude’s Hospital by fire.
Rare – probably inexistent – has there been any incident, tragic or otherwise, occurring in St. Lucia that (to all outward appearances) has elicited so much sympathy from all and sundry. Practically every civic-minded person in the country has, in some way or another, found the way to contribute, however small, some financial help toward the rebuilding and refurbishing of the hospital.
Fundraising events of every nature have been held, locally and throughout the Diaspora wherever St. Lucians find themselves living abroad. The call to assistance has even created what many in this country believed they would have died without seeing: the miracle of cooperation between leaders and supporters of our two main political parties, putting their efforts together to help the cause.
But by comparison, all the funds we managed to raise through our blockos, telethons, dances, cake sales and other events pale when one considers the relatively enormous donations that have been made by Corporations, both local and international … and by friendly governments who decided to come to our aid.