Adventist Partners Boost Hospital Recovery Efforts in Jamaica

Andrews Memorial Hospital, AdventHealth and church partners provide equipment and supplies to support rebuilding after hurricane damage.

March 2, 2026 | Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica | Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher and IAD News Staff

Black River Hospital in western Jamaica received a significant boost in its hurricane recovery on Feb. 23, as Andrews Memorial Hospital Limited, AdventHealth and Seventh-day Adventist partners presented medical supplies, equipment and 50 laptops valued at approximately US$60,000.

The donation fulfills a promise made during a Nov. 4, 2025, visit by a 25-member Andrews Memorial Hospital team, which witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

At that time, Black River Hospital Chief Executive Officer Diana Brown-Miller said the facility was operating with severely limited space.

“We have about 15 percent of our space that we can use,” Brown-Miller said. “Wards, administration, staff quarters, dietary services and the operating theatre were damaged, so we can only stabilize emergencies and transfer patients.”

Three months later, Andrews Memorial Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Donmayne Gyles said the handover reflects more than a commitment, it signals ongoing support.

“When we visited previously, we made it clear that our support would not end there,” Gyles said. “Today we are here to reaffirm that commitment. This is not the last.”

Gyles explained that Andrews Memorial Hospital reached out to AdventHealth, which responded by shipping a container of medical supplies. He also credited the GSI Foundation, the charitable arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, for facilitating the shipment to Jamaica. He noted that the Jamaica Union has formally adopted Black River Hospital as one of the institutions it will support during the rebuilding process.

Representing newly elected Jamaica Union President Pastor Glen Samuels, and Pastor Charles T. Brevitt, vice president of the West Jamaica Conference, described the donation as part of the church’s broader healthcare mission.

“Healthcare is a critical part of our ministry in Jamaica,” Brevitt said. “We also acknowledge AdventHealth, which has consistently supported Andrews Memorial Hospital and health care in general.”

“This is significant support,” he added. “Our hope is that Black River Hospital and the surrounding communities who depend on this facility will benefit as the hospital continues to rebuild and upgrade.”

Brevitt said the supplies and computers are being presented with the expectation that, as reconstruction progresses, the facilities will be equipped with quality tools to strengthen patient care.

Brown-Miller welcomed the donation, noting that the laptops are especially timely as the hospital manages operational pressures following the hurricane.

“The computers made me smile,” she said. “This is the season when we are conducting staff appraisals, and last year we struggled tremendously because we did not have enough computers.” She added that several were damaged during the hurricane. “Now, having enough for each department makes a big difference.”

She also praised the relevance of the medical supplies.

“These were not random donations,” Brown-Miller said. “They were thoughtful, practical and essential to the work we do.”

Jody-Ann Porter, customer care officer at the Southern Regional Health Authority, also expressed appreciation for the follow-through.

“At the time, Mr. Gyles said this would not be the last visit,” Porter said. “Today we are truly happy to see that he has honored that commitment and returned with even greater support for the hospital.”