CHILDREN'S MEDICAL TRUST LAUNCHED

St. George, December 11, 2007 -- The launch of the Children's Medical Trust was the result of discussions between Senator Ann David-Antoine, Minister of Health who is a past Chairperson of the Coalition for the Rights of the Child and Executive members of the coalition in direct response to a required coordinated approach to ensure the protection of sick children and to ensure that they are treated with dignity and get the best medical care.

Unfortunate reports had reached the coalition of instances where donations received from members of the public did not at all benefit the children for whom they were intended.  There has been no quick response, national coordination or oversight of funds and donations given for the medical expenses of children.

A team of persons committed to the rights of children  has volunteered to be the first directors of the Trust, including pediatrician, Dr. Beverly Nelson; social activist, Mrs. Jean Robinson (RN/MBE and president of the J.J Robinson Trust); Supt. Frank Philbert, chairperson of the Child Welfare Authority; Mrs. Alexandra Otway-Noel, chairperson of the Grenada Airport Authority, and who represents many charitable foundations and NGOs;  Mr. Shane Joseph, a social worker and counselor; Mrs. Pat Hughes, a principal and owner of a pre-school at L'Anse aux Epines;  Mrs. Jean Griffith, a qualified nurse, midwife and Public Health Officer; and Mrs. Anande Trotman-Joseph, Chairperson of the Trust and representing the Coalition.  Minister Ann David Antoine will be the frist Patron of the Trust.

The spokesperson for the Trust will be Ms. Vivian Burkhardt, Miss Grenada World.  Mr. George Grant will voluntarily provide public relations advice.

The initiative is a "stepping out" by the coalition, as most of its work has been focussed on influencing national policy, advocacy and rallying for the rights and best interests of children.

The Trust intends to network with existing organizations which already offer medical assistance to Grenadian children, provide education on the care, support and well being of children including counseling services where required.

The Trust is appealing to the business sector to assist in the setting up of the fund required for the assistance and care of sick children, especially those of lesser means.

It is expected that the work of the Children's Medical Trust will go a long way in alleviating the immediate and long term needs of sick children in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.