Wednesday, August 24,2011
ST JOHNS, ANTIGUA – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has promised to fully support all waivers, duties, taxes and any other charges regarding the importation of supplies needed by for programmes to carried out in the country by the Caribbean Council for the Blind/Eye Care Caribbean.
This was announced by Finance and Economy Minister, Harold Lovell at Monday’s opening ceremony to mark the start of a two-day Optometry Clinic at the Fiennes Institute.
“The programme here is so important that it is something that we need to give very, very special recognition to and whilst it will benefit residents of the Fiennes Institute, this socially useful initiative will make the residents less dependent ….” he said.
The Finance Minister’s statement was endorsed by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who was also present at the opening ceremony held on the compound of the Institute.
The Prime Minister praised CCB for choosing the Fiennes Institute as the launching pad for such an undertaking.
“This shows that individuals at a Fiennes Institute are not forgotten at all …..I think this is one of the finest initiatives ever undertaken,” he said.
According to Arvel Grant, CEO of CCB/Eye Care Caribbean, similar programmes will take place in the future.
“Ultimately, we want to ensure that every one has access to basic eye health services, at a cost they can afford. Therefore, in addition to providing free services to persons in institutions, we intend to establish here in Antigua & Barbuda and across the Eastern Caribbean, quality eye health services at cost.”
The CEO of CCB-Eye Care Caribbean noted that a “ring” will be placed around the service, in order to protect and enhance the development of Private Sector Eye Care Providers. “When we move out we want to ensure that the primary beneficiaries of the service will be toddlers and students in any recognised institution, persons with disabilities, persons who are retired and persons who earn 66% or less of the tax threshold.” Mr. Grant stated.
“In addition, we intend to accept referrals from: Members of Parliament and Ministers of Religion.”
The aim of the Optometry Clinic was to screen all residents at the Institute and to prescribe spectacles and low vision devices. The Clinic was led by Dr. Genalin Ang, a Senior Lecturer in Optometry at the University of Guyana.
Dr. Ang was assisted by three 2nd Year Optometry Students from the University of Guyana.
The Fiennes Institute is the Government-run Home for the Aged, located in the capital, St. John’s.
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