New Chairman for Cancer Centre

Details

Health News

Tuesday, 05 March 2013 02:30

By Delana Isles

Antigua St. John's - The plans for construction of the long awaited US$5M Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean is finally back on track following the signing of construction and management contracts and the appointment of a new Chairman.

Reports reveal that Dr. Conville Brown, Co-Founder and Director of the Centre will now also serve as its Chairman; as confirmed by Board member, Gregory Georges.

Embattled former Chairman of the Board, Dr. Arthur Porter, who is presently embroiled in an alleged fraud scheme in Canada, is currently battling advanced stage lung cancer.

According to the Antigua & Barbuda government site,  Dr. Porter, in light of his illness and his reported troubles in Canada, has “graciously suggested the transfer of chairmanship of TCCEC to Dr. Brown.”

The positions of Director of Radiation Oncology and Managing Director, which Dr. Porter had previously filled, will now be taken over by Professor Karol Sikora; while a permanent replacement is sought pending the outcome of Dr. Porter’s health and other concerns. Sikora is also Director of Medical Oncology and a board member.
Mr. Cottrille George remains as Vice-Chairman.

Dr. Brown reportedly said that Dr. Porter, like himself, feels that the OECS Cancer Centre is bigger than any individual or country and will be privileged to serve the people of the OECS and the wider Caribbean.

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The contracts were reportedly executed over the weekend by the new Chairman and Brian D’Ornellas of OBM, Ltd. of Antigua.

Georges said the area will now be clear and works to lay the foundation will commence during this week.
 “The actual unit is being prefabricated in Miami but the foundation will be done in Antigua, so the building itself will come to Antigua.”

The need for an OECS Cancer Centre was realized due to the high incidence of death attributed to cancer and other non-communicable diseases, and a lack of adequate facilities within member states to deal with these diseases.

When completed it is expected to enhance primary cancer prevention care and offer state-of-the-art treatment on par with the United States and other places.

The Antigua centre is being modelled after The Cancer Centre Bahamas which has been in existence for over two decades.

In April 2012 government and other officials broke ground for the structure, which when constructed will be located on Michael’s Mount below the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC).

It was heralded as the dawn of a new era for medical care in the region, but its construction has been delayed on many occasions.  Prior to the recent announcement of change of Chairmanship, reports out of Canada pointed to Dr. Porter allegedly being involved in financial irregularities in his previous position at McGill University Health Centre (MUFC) in Canada.
Most recently a warrant was issued by the Canadian authorities for his arrest.

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