The Tribune

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to more than ten organisations as it provides support for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PPE includes branded BTC reusable masks, face shields, body suits and locally-made hand sanitiser. The masks bear motivational quotes "Stronger, Safer, Together" and "BTC, Stay Safe".

Garfield "Garry" Sinclair, BTC's chief executive, said: "At BTC, we believe that 'kindness is as kindness does.' As we learn to co-exist with the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to support our every-day heroes on the frontline, including our police and prison officers, grocery store employees as well as a number of community organisations. These heroes have been doing their part every day to render service to our communities, and this is just one of the ways that we are saying thank you to them."

Organisations receiving personal protective equipment include the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA); the Bahamas Red Cross; Samaritan's Purse (Grand Bahama); the Bahamas Department of Corrections; The Royal Bahamas Police Force, Grand Bahama; F.O.A.M; Great Commission Ministries; Department of Social Services, Grand Bahama; and Lil General's Convenience Store.

Susan Pratt, the PHA's director of supplies management, said: "We are pleased to accept the donated personal protective equipment from BTC. The masks, coveralls and face shields are essential items needed as the public health care system continue to provide protection to all of our frontline workers.

"Once again the Public Hospitals Authority express gratitude to BTC for their continued support and commitment to all of our efforts in this global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic."

Police superintendent Jeremy Henfield added: "I'm excited to see that despite all that is going on in the country right now, BTC is still giving back, not only to the community but also essential workers during this pandemic. The donation will go a long way as we go about our daily duties interacting with persons".

Sean Brennen, director-general for The Bahamas Red Cross, added: "We would like to thank BTC for their kind donations of reusable masks, food, baby diapers, water and sanitary items to assist with our humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 crisis."

Commissioner Charles Murphy, from the Bahamas Department of Corrections, said: "We are thankful for the donations provided to our officers during this COVID-19 pandemic."

Prior to this, BTC made several donations to organisations and communities including hotlines for the Ministry of Health and police, and mobile devices for the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 taskforce and the Rand Memorial Hospital to connect patients to their relatives. Additionally, the company continues to support the Great Commission Ministries' feeding programme.