Former ward of the state Branatic Neufville returned to Jamaica in a different role – not as someone seeking help, but as a philanthropist committed to extending hope and improving the lives of others.
Neufville, owner of Rice and Things, has donated more than $5 million in medical equipment and supplies to May Pen Hospital in Clarendon, and Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth – a donation stakeholders say will strengthen the Southern Regional Health Authority’s ability to provide patient care.
The donation includes 33 beds, 20 bedside lockers and medical sundries to be distributed between the two facilities.
The handover ceremony at May Pen Hospital on Thursday marked a significant personal milestone for Neufville, who reflected on his journey from the Summerfield Child Care Facility (formerly Summerfield Boys’ Home), and St Augustine Place of Safety in Clarendon, to becoming a champion for community development.
“I want to thank God for giving me the courage, the wisdom and the resources that He has blessed me with to be able to be in a position … coming from being a ward of the state [to being able to] be a blessing to many that are less fortunate than I am,” he said.
