CIBC Donates EC $202,500 Toward New Mammogram Machine at SLBMC

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has received a major boost in its push to upgrade breast cancer screening, following a donation of EC $202,500 from the CIBC ComTrust Foundation on Tuesday.

Hospital officials, CIBC Caribbean representatives, and the Ministry of Health attended the handover ceremony in St. John’s, marking a significant step toward securing a new mammogram machine that will enhance early detection for thousands of women—and men—across Antigua and Barbuda.

SLBMC Medical Director Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis said the contribution will have lasting national impact, noting that more than 49,000 women are expected to benefit during their lifetimes. She praised the partnership as an example of how public–private collaboration can transform healthcare.

CIBC Caribbean Country Head and ComTrust Foundation Trustee Ladesa James-Williams said the bank responded immediately to the hospital’s request, citing its long-standing commitment to cancer care through initiatives like Walk for the Cure.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph thanked the foundation for easing the financial burden of maintaining and replacing critical hospital equipment, stressing that socialized healthcare requires shared responsibility.

SLBMC’s Marketing and Communications Head, Salma Crump, noted that CIBC has supported the hospital for more than a decade and that this year’s PINKparty campaign raised nearly EC $90,000 toward the same goal.

Raffle for the Cure continues until November 30, with a formal handover of Walk for the Cure proceeds scheduled for World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026.