Caribbean students bring joy to Bustamante Hospital

Students from the Caribbean Club Cabinet at the Connecticut-based Choate Rosemary Hall boarding school have made a significant donation to the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew. This initiative, led by Jamaicans Jei Han Hall, club president, and Leah McConnell, club vice president, marks a heartfelt contribution to improving the experience of children seeking care at the hospital’s X-ray department.

On August 19, Hall and McConnell, past students of Campion College and Hillel Academy, respectively, handed over a 43-inch television, toys and a carefully selected assortment of fun and educational games, intended to provide young patients with stimulating activities while awaiting treatment or to undergo surgical procedures.

The donation, valued at approximately $100,000 was made possible through the collective efforts of the Caribbean Club Cabinet, supported by a broad network of students at Choate Rosemary Hall and friends.

Hall developed a personal connection to the hospital, having volunteered in the X-ray department for the past two summers. Working under the supervision of Suzette Collins in the registration office, Hall witnessed firsthand the visible restlessness and signs of stress of the children and their families while waiting for treatment.

Inspired by his experiences, Hall shared these challenges with his peers in the Caribbean Club Cabinet, who then rallied together to raise funds to enhance the comfort and well-being of the young patients. Hall stated, “Our main goal was to help these families to maintain a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. With the support of our club secretary Hiram Burns and treasurer Dyllen Deprinvil, we were able to collaboratively raise funds from Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the USA in a relatively short span of time.”

During the handover at the hospital, Hall and McConnell were warmly welcomed by Miss Collins and the staff of the X-ray department who expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful contribution and the anticipated positive impact on the children’s hospital experience.

The Choate Caribbean Club Cabinet remains committed to supporting communities across the Caribbean and diaspora. The donation is part of the club’s ongoing commitment to bringing awareness and giving back to members of the Caribbean community.