Governor General Sir James Carlisle with the Hon. John Maginley and other senior government officials. View photo »

With the Christmas season fast approaching, senior government officials are spreading Christmas cheer at health institutions.

On Monday Governor General Sir James Carlisle, Lady Emma Carlisle, Health Minister the Hon John Maginley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Clara Emmanuel and other health officials visited the Mental Hospital to participate in their annual Christmas celebrations.

The celebration which brought laughter and joy to the residents heard Governor General Sir James Carlisle reminding the patients that Christmas brings a message to everyone, and it is God's unselfish love for all mankind that brings tolerance, respect and real understanding to the foundation of our society.

Sir James Carlisle also added that he sees noticeable improvement in the health institution and hopes that the staff and patients of the institution will strive for excellence in their continual growth of the establishment.

The Governor General also encouraged the staff to do their best with their patients despite the lack of major working equipment.

He wished the staff and patients a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year and says he looks forward to many more visits in the near future.

Health Minister the Hon John Maginley who was very active in the celebration, told the patients that Christmas is a time to share and celebrate the birth of Christ with the rest of the world and reflected on the joyous celebration that brings families, friends and communities together.

Minister Maginley also noted that his government is planning on amending the Mental Health Legislation Act.

The Minister says that this new act is getting the assistance from Health Canada, the Pan American Health Organization, as well as the Acting Superintendent Clarence Pilgrim and other health care professionals.

In the meantime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Clara Emmanuel urges volunteer groups to donate food supplies and gifts to the health institutions to make life more comfortable for the residents and staff of the homes.

A number of Christmas songs were also sang by the patients to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Digital photos by Teste Thomas

For further information contact:

Teste Thomas
Communications Officer
Ministry of Health
Teste.thomas@antigua.gov.ag