CHIEF Executive Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex, Mr. Gordon Gumbs opening the container from Linden Fund USA (LFU).
By Joe Chapman
THE Linden Fund/USA (LFU) has made a timely donation of some $85.5M in medical supplies to the Linden Hospital Complex.

The donation, stored in a 40-ft container, was described by LFU Chairman, Dr. Vincent Adams as a " major accomplishment".

The Linden Fund is a community-based funding mechanism organised exclusively to enhance the social and economic well-being of the Linden community, with an underlying philosophy and focus being community self-empowerment, effective governance and development of a sustainable and healthy community.

The group comprises current and former residents and friends of the town of Linden and the fund is managed by the Linden Fund/USA; the Linden Fund/Canada, and the Linden Fund Trust (Guyana), all non-profit organisations.

Speaking at the presentation Friday, Dr. Adams said the multi-million dollar shipment with a market value of US$450,000, would be shared with the Mackenzie and Ituni hospitals.

He said in partnership with MedShare International, a Georgia-based non-profit organisation which collects surplus medical supplies and equipment, it "is the culmination of months of hard work by the Board of the Linden Fund, USA (LFU) and MedShare."

"The LFU puts a great deal of effort into developing programmes and initiatives in the areas of health and education and I cannot tell you how happy I am to see this particular project become a reality", he said.

"This shipment contains vital supplies for the hospitals so that they can deliver first-rate health care to the residents of Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice).

OFFICIALS at the presentation.
"The equipment and supplies, including hospital beds, sutures, IV equipment, will go a long way towards ensuring greater physical comfort for persons admitted to these facilities as well as those seeking out-patient care," he said at the presentation.

The LFU Chairman expressed his appreciation to Mr. Dennis Parkinson, Administrator; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Gordon Gumbs, Matron Christopher and others of the Linden Hospital Complex, who were instrumental in identifying the needs of the hospital.

He, however, noted his disappointment in not being able to fulfill one of the fund's major initiatives - having a team of doctors and other medical professionals during the coming week to provide medical services to the community.

He said the recent situation in Linden with protesters and unstable power supply, were the reasons behind the plan being postponed.

Last year, when he had donated some medical supplies to the institution, Adams had promised to make the gesture a regular feature.

On Friday, he made another promise that once the visit by the doctors becomes a reality this year, a pool of doctors and other medical personnel from across the United States, many of whom hail from Linden and reside in the USA, will be made available, probably every three months, to provide vital services to the Linden community.

He reiterated that the "major accomplishment" was just a vision which became a reality.

Adams also had special thanks for Atlanta-based Dr. Karen Goddette who spearheaded the efforts to get the medical supplies; MedShare International, a humanitarian organization, for getting the container full of supplies free of cost; LFU which paid some $1M in shipping costs; Public Works and Communication Minister, Mr. Anthony Xavier who facilitated the clearing of the container and provision of transportation for it to reach Linden; Mr. Frankie Comacho and CV Shipping, and John Fernandes Limited for ensuring that the container reached Guyana.

He also thanked the entire Linden community which is behind the Linden Fund.