Businessmen give back to school, hospital in Portland

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Businessman Samuel 'Frauty' Dixon is on a mission to provide needy assistance, which was quite evident earlier this week when he gave back to his alma mater, Port Antonio High School, while also making an invaluable contribution to the local health sector, all in one day.

Dixon, who made his first stop at his former school, donated a wheelchair and a paramount bed, which has automatic movement and is operated using a remote control. Both gifts were sourced at a cost of approximately $400,000.

"It is said that if you don't know where you're coming from, then you don't know where you're going," commented Dixon. "One thing is certain, I am a product of this school. I have not forgotten the years spent here. This is just the beginning of great things to come, and this is my way of giving back. I urge other past students to adopt a similar role in giving back to their former school. This is an initiative that I hope will be replicated across Jamaica," he added.

In expressing thanks, acting principal Denise Logan said that the school was extremely grateful and appreciative of the gift from Dixon, who is of the Class of 1983. "These gifts will be well used and they are absolutely necessary at this time. It comes as a grand surprise and the entire school population is grateful," she said.

15 hospital beds

Dixon and his team, including business operator Winston Richards, later journeyed to the Port Antonio Hospital, where they donated 15 beds.

Board chairman at the hospital, Hugh Perry, pointed to the need to establish more partnerships between the private sector and Government. "This is a clear demonstration that Government is hard-pressed to find the resources to meet the needs of all the sectors," said Perry.

He added: "Today, we are witnessing two business operators making a contribution to this hospital, which will ultimately impact the lives of thousands of Portlanders. Most hospitals across Jamaica have experienced a shortage of beds, but we are now able to provide our patients with added bed space."