Gideons Donate Bibles to Bvihsa to Support
On June 18 the Gideons of the Virgin Islands presented a supply of New Testaments and pocket-sized Bibles to the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to provide spiritual comfort to patients, families and healthcare workers. The donation — intended for patient rooms, community clinics and staff — was received by BVIHSA Chief of Operations Cedorene P. Malone-Smith and described by the authority as supporting whole-person care (BVIHSA press release, reported by VINO and Guavaberry).
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — On June 18 the Gideons of the Virgin Islands formally handed over a supply of New Testaments and pocket-sized Bibles to the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) in a move aimed at offering spiritual comfort to patients, their families and healthcare workers across the territory.
Gideons representatives Joseph “Ed” DeCastro and Ian Nathaniel made the presentation on behalf of the local Gideons chapter, and the donation was received on behalf of the BVIHSA by Chief of Operations Cedorene P. Earlier coverage by Guavaberry also named the two Gideons representatives as making the handover.
According to a BVIHSA press release cited by VINO, the packages included note-sized New Testaments intended for placement in patient rooms and community clinics, plus pocket-sized editions to be made available to members of staff. The authority said the materials are meant to offer comfort, reflection, hope and encouragement within the healthcare environment. “We are grateful for this thoughtful donation, which supports our ongoing commitment to whole-person care,” Malone-Smith said in the BVIHSA release quoted by VINO. “Small acts of comfort and encouragement can make a meaningful difference for patients, families, and our healthcare teams.” The authority has highlighted that the donation aligns with its holistic care policy, which recognises that healing can extend beyond clinical treatment to include emotional and spiritual well-being.
For a close-knit community like the BVI, where family ties and faith often play central roles in daily life, access to spiritual resources in health settings can be particularly meaningful, the BVIHSA added. The authority said it will distribute the donated materials across its facilities, including hospitals and community clinics, and make pocket copies available to frontline staff.
The Gideons organisation is known internationally for distributing Bibles and scripture materials to hospitals, hotels and schools. Local chapters typically coordinate with institutions to place compact editions where they can be readily accessed by those seeking spiritual reassurance; Guavaberry noted that the BVI chapter worked with the BVIHSA to ensure the items reach patient rooms and community clinics across the islands.
BVI healthcare workers often face demanding conditions, and the BVIHSA suggested that resources promoting peace and hope may offer inspiration and emotional support to professionals who provide daily care. The authority expressed appreciation to the Gideons for the contribution and their continued commitment to supporting the well-being of residents in the Virgin Islands.
Both VINO and Guavaberry reported on the handover and the BVIHSA press release; the authority will oversee distribution of the donated materials across its network of facilities.
Primary source: Guavaberry