Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Registered nurse Leisa Baptiste-Rice (centre) is giving local nurses Merza Grant (right) and Darla Savoury something to laugh about at the reception. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Last week, the Caribbean Heartmenders brought to Jamaica 19 professional medical personnel from the Congenital Heart Institute of Florida to perform procedures on patients at the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

After four days of non-stop work to repair the broken hearts of children, the group was treated to a double-day of fun on Friday. First, they were whisked away to Dunn's River Falls, and later they were the guests of honour at a reception hosted by Lyttleton 'Tanny' Shirley, chairman of the Southeast Regional Health Authority, at his Jacks Hill home.

The St Petersburg team (each member partnered by a local practitioner) operated successfully on nine children and Dr Jeffrey Jacobs, head of the team, even donated two heart-lung machines to the hospital. He lauded the Jamaican counterparts for their professionalism and expertise.

The Caribben Heartmenders is a non-profit organisation which seeks to assist patients in having life-saving surgery. Part of the programme is to bring overseas-based professionals to the island as it costs too much to send the patients abroad. President Winsome Charlton said that over 230 persons have received heart care from their efforts so far.

Guests out included Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne; Col Trevor McMillan and wife, Dr Olivia McDonald; Dr Dayanand Sawh and wife, Indera Persaud; Dr Douglas McDonald; Dr Lambert Ennis; Dr Blaine John; Edward Gerrard; Patti Krumeich; Ilka Fernandes; Lacey Todd and Beverly Needham.

Dr Olivia McDonald (right) seems to have a lot to say as she chats with Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne and Dr Douglas McDonald.

Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Lisa Palmer (left) joins businessman Carl Hamilton and Dr Barbara Sears in lively banter.

Dr Roger Irvine, Sara Lefkowitz (centre) and Juanita Hunter enjoying cocktails.

Dr Jeffrey Jacobs (right), head of the team from St Petersburg, Florida, and nurse Jennifer Carapellucci (centre) meet Tanny Shirley, chairman of the Southeast Regional Health Authority at the reception.

Chairman of the Southeast Regional Health Authority Tanny Shirley (right) welcomes Winsome Charlton (left), president of the Caribbean Heartmenders Association, and Carlene Nugent, administrative coordinator.