Nassau, The Bahamas – “I see the community as our biggest investors and so, like any company, when you have investors, stakeholders, shareholders, there comes a time when you have to pay dividends. As a result, for me, this is just us paying back dividends to the community,” explains Oaktree Medical Center Dr. Don D. Deveaux.
Oaktree, known for its community activism and generosity, recently donated $10,000 to the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office for its annual tree lighting ceremony under the theme, “Celebrating the Gift of Peace and Hope” set for 3rd December 2021 at Police Headquarters.
“As a fellow first responder, the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s holiday focus this year celebrates the gifts of peace and hope; the word ‘hope’ stood out to me because during this challenging pandemic, many have lost their lives. These are men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis to save us and to make sure our communities are safe, for us here at Oaktree it is only the right thing to do,” said Dr. Deveaux.
Thirty-year veteran of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Superintendent Anthony Rolle and Director of the National Crime Prevention Office reflected on the challenging year the country has faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts made by the Force to assist the community.
“Last year, during the pandemic the Commissioner of Police and the team went into communities during the height of the lockdowns when so many persons were in need. Many questioned if this should be done, given the risks but he saw it necessary, as a man with a caring heart. We were able to do several food drives, gave out vouchers and during back to school we were able to hand out school supplies. Thanks to the generosity of corporate Bahamas and tapping into our limited police resources, it really touched the lives of many people. By meeting the needs of the community, it actually helped to reduce crime,” Superintendent Rolle explained.
Funds donated for this year’s holiday event will directly support and uplift children ages 1-12 of fallen police officers who died as a result of COVID-19. “We’ve been doing tree lighting for more than 20 years. During this time, we try to cater children in different sectors and for this year, during the pandemic many children were not allowed to come out. Unfortunately, the police force is no exception to the ravages of COVID-19 and sadly several officers passed away over the past two years. As a result, we will focus on the fallen officer’s children,” he explained. The $10,000 donation from Oaktree Medical Center will bring joy to children still in mourning and provide a ray of hope during the holiday season.
“It is important for the Royal Bahamas Police Force to have support from the community and corporate Bahamas as we all have a role to play. The police cannot fight crime on their own and cannot be everywhere and at all times so our crime fighting initiative depends on the support of corporate Bahamas and the Bahamas at large. This donation is going to go a long way and we want to say thank you to Oaktree Medical Center. Dr. Deveaux has such a generous heart and I pray that God will continue to prosper him and the business. We thank Oaktree Medical Center for the continued partnership,” thanked Superintendent Rolle.
Source: TIDE Consultants
