Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville expressed his appreciation to 12 hospital chaplains of the gospel during a luncheon at the Foster B. Pestaina Auditorium (Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King) on Friday, June 12, 2015.

Dr. Darville said it was a humbling experience for him to be able to say a few words of encouragement on behalf of the people of Grand Bahama.

“The well respected honourees I know personally and can attest to the quality of their ministries on Grand Bahama,” Dr. Darville said.

He said, “As a physician who practiced in this community for many years, I can relate to the personal sacrifices made by these 12 dynamic men and women being honoured today, who, as this luncheon’s theme suggests, are ‘Privileged to serve in God’s Ministry of Health, Help, Hope and Healing.’ ”

The minister then addressed the current parliamentary proceedings in the House of Assembly in Nassau.

He said, “The Government of The Bahamas remains committed to our vision of a safer, prosperous and modern country which can only be achieved if all Bahamians are active participants in its implementation and adequate resources are put in place to accomplish our mandates.”

The minister explained that over $1 million has already been invested to upgrade and renovate all medical clinics in the outlying areas of Grand Bahama; to hire additional physicians and medical support staff; to upgrade the fleet of vehicles for doctors and nurses who provide special community services and to add a new family practice at the Rand Memorial Hospital.

He said there are plans to further expand and improve the tertiary healthcare facility to include much needed bed space.

“I would say that we are making great strides in achieving our strategic goal of improving The Grand Bahama health care services and the quality of healthcare we deliver to the residents of this great country,” he added.

Minister Darville said the luncheon was about saluting the hospital chaplains, who in partnership with the physicians, nurses and others medical support staff, serve to provide total wellness for the mentally, physically and spiritually ill residents in Grand Bahama.

“Indeed, it is truly heart-warming to know that despite trials and tribulations, there are persons like you, who are available to assist, if only to pray or offer words of encouragement to our patients and their family members.

“Therefore, on behalf of my cabinet colleague, the Hon. Perry Gomez, Minister of Health and the people of Grand Bahama who utilise the services at the Rand Memorial Hospital, I would like take this opportunity to salute each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication to serving the residents inside and outside of the hospital walls. May God carry you on his shoulders, as you gracefully carry others,” Dr. Darville said.