Put QEH in our wills

I SOLICIT YOUR KIND permission to direct this submission to Minister John Boyce and Dr Dexter James? I wish to first preface my submission with a quote from the memoir of the late president of the United States, John Kennedy, the 35th president delivering his inaugural speech on January 20, 1961.

He asserted, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

Piggy-backing on his words, we at Prayer Warriors International have as our motto: Ask not what your Government, your church or God can do for you, but ask what you can do for them.

Fellow Barbadians here and overseas, our own Queen Elizabeth Hospital has provided health care for us and patients from “over and away” faithfully for the past 52 years of existence. This writer is cognisant of the demanding care, and at times, unappreciative care and services by some.

The budget allotted to the QEH, is almost $200 million annually. (Maybe not the correct amount.) Because of the very high financial demands, the health institution has found itself not able to meet all the financial demands to fully finance certain services and medications.

In fact, some time ago the institution engaged, by discussion, the public at large as how it can raise funds to meet their acutely demanding financial needs. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the forums; however, I wish to use this informative paper to make my suggestion.

I wish to suggest those Barbadian families living here and overseas, and even those non-Barbadians who might have been cared for at the hospital, to leave a living trust of cash, payable immediately to the QEH at the time of their death. (Mr Attorney, am I correct when I say that a “living trust is money available, immediately at death, before the will is probated?) I strongly believe that millions of dollars can be raised by this method annually.

In fact, since I was a recipient of the fine care given to me at the QEH, I will put my money where my mouth – “pen” is, by being one of the first people to put that condition into my will.

I would like to leave an amount of money for the institution. I invite you to follow suit.

Perhaps people can also consider conducting a similar act by leaving a living trust with the beneficiary being their church to help further the spreading of the gospel. Thanks.

– EVANGELIST COURTNEY “SELLIE” SELMAN