UTech students fund repairs to nurses’ quarters at Sav hospital
Published:Thursday | March 12, 2026 | 12:05 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
Nurses at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland will benefit from a $200,000 donation from final-year finance students at the University of Technology (UTech). The funds will support repairs to the hospital’s nursing quarters, which were damaged during Hurricane Melissa.
The cheque was handed over on Friday by members of the UTech finance and banking seminar 2025–2026 cohort, who said the initiative forms part of their commitment to supporting communities affected by the storm.
Kristina Johnson, the group’s second vice-president, said the students felt compelled to help after recognising that Westmoreland was among the hardest-hit parishes. She noted that several group members are from the parish, which also influenced the group’s decision. While other parishes received more post-storm assistance, she said, Westmoreland “didn’t get as much”, prompting the students to direct their support there and “impact the wider communities through our donations”.
“So we wanted to ensure that we give back to Westmoreland, as well as impact the wider communities through our donations,” she added.
Johnson also expressed pride in being able to contribute as a student. “I’m elated, definitely. And it feels good to know that as a student, I can give back to the community in any way possible,” she said.
Roan Grant, chief executive officer of the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, welcomed the donation, describing it as timely and meaningful. “This initiative is well-received on behalf of our team here, and even though they say it’s small, it’s very impactful,” he said.
The money will assist with repairing the hospital’s nursing quarters, which suffered damage to windows, the roof and electrical systems. “What we’ll be doing will be rehabilitating our nursing quarters,” Grant said.
Grant stressed that the nurses continued to serve patients despite being personally affected by the hurricane. “While they were impacted, they were still giving service, and we have to find a way to reach out to them … and let them know that we have their interests at heart.”
The donation will be combined with existing hospital funds to restore the building. Grant also used the occasion to encourage the students as they prepare to graduate. “I want to take this time to thank the students and wish them all the best … I’m praying that God will bless them to be very impactful, individually and collectively as well,” he said.
Commenting further, Johnson said she was proud to contribute as a student. “I’m elated, definitely. And it feels good to know that as a student, I can give back to the community in any way possible,” she said. She added that the cohort hopes future seminar groups will continue supporting the hospital and other beneficiaries.
Each final-year finance student completes the seminar, which raises funds for a conference and community outreach over two semesters. The programme has been in place for about 15 years and gives students practical experience in financial planning, networking and corporate responsibility.