Mill Reef Fund Strengthens Critical Care at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre with EC$228,000+ Donation
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, February 3, 2026 — Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is pleased to announce a significant EC$228,690 donation from the Mill Reef Fund. This latest contribution targets high-impact areas of the hospital, funding specialized medical equipment essential for emergency, surgical, and respiratory services.
The donation facilitates the acquisition of:
- A New Laparoscopic Tower: Replacing aging technology to ensure precision in minimally invasive surgeries.
- Advanced EKG Machine: Enhancing cardiac monitoring within the Operating Room.
- Twelve Specialized Recliners: Expanding capacity and patient comfort in the Emergency Department’s Asthma Bay.
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, SLBMC Medical Director, emphasized the broad impact of the contribution.
"This generous investment from the Mill Reef Fund drives a transformative shift in how we deliver care across our most critical departments. By modernizing our surgical suite with a new laparoscopic tower and enhancing patient monitoring with advanced EKG technology, we are significantly elevating our standard and precision. Simultaneously, the expansion of our Asthma Bay allows us to treat more patients effectively during peak times. These enhancements don’t just upgrade our equipment, they directly improve patient outcomes and strengthen the resilience of our hospital. The strength of our healthcare system is a collective responsibility that relies on the support of dedicated partners. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Mill Reef Fund for their ongoing commitment to SLBMC and for once again standing with us to ensure our patients receive the resources they deserve.”
The Mill Reef Fund has been a cornerstone of philanthropic support in Antigua and Barbuda for decades. Helene van Beuren, Chair of the Mill Reef Fund, noted that this gift continues a long-standing mission to support the nation’s health infrastructure.
“The Mill Reef Fund remains committed to supporting institutions that have a direct and meaningful impact on the well-being of our community. Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre plays a vital role in caring for the people of Antigua and Barbuda every single day, and it is important to our Board that the hospital has the tools and resources needed to deliver quality care. This work matters deeply to us, and we are proud to continue our partnership with SLBMC.”
Salma Crump, SLBMC Head of Marketing & Communications, highlighted the human element behind the figures.
"This contribution is a testament to a partnership that has become a vital pillar of our healthcare system. This isn't just an investment in technology; it is an investment in people," Crump stated. " By equipping our clinicians with these essential resources, the Mill Reef Fund is directly enhancing the quality of care for the thousands of patients who rely on these critical services each year. We are profoundly grateful for their continued confidence in our hospital and their enduring commitment to the health and well-being of everyone who calls Antigua and Barbuda home.”
Marking another milestone in their enduring relationship, this latest support from the Mill Reef Fund reinforces a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for everyone who relies on SLBMC.
About Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC)
Since opening its doors in 2009, SLBMC has stood as the only public tertiary-level hospital in Antigua and Barbuda. It serves as a vital hub for inpatient, ambulatory, and preventive care, meeting the diverse medical needs of the entire nation. With a mandate for excellence in patient outcomes, research, and education, SLBMC remains focused on advancing the standard of healthcare for every resident and visitor. To discover more about our services and philanthropic opportunities, visit the SLBMC official website.
About the Mill Reef Fund
Established in 1948 shortly after the founding of the Mill Reef Club, the Mill Reef Fund is a charitable trust dedicated to the well-being of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Since formal record-keeping began in the 1960s, the Fund has raised and distributed over US$15 million through the enduring generosity of its members and friends. The Fund’s philanthropic reach spans the nation, from providing life-saving medical equipment for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and supporting homes for children with disabilities, to partnering with Hands Across the Sea to install libraries in schools. For more information on the Fund’s impact, click here.