NASSAU, The Bahamas – His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, conducted his Annual Christmas Visit and tour of Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 6, 2021.

Led by Charlene Davis, Principal Nursing Officer, Princess Margaret Hospital, the tour included the Children’s Ward, and the newly renovated and recommissioned Male Surgical Ward I, and Medical/Surgical Ward East.

Also present were: the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Health and Wellness; Jack Thompson, Secretary to the Governor General; Andrew Edwards, Chairman of the Board of the Public Hospitals Authority; Catherine Weech, Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority; Dr. Caroline Burnett-Garraway, Medical Chief of Staff, other health officials, and Rev. Canon Sebastian Campbell, the Officiant who blessed the areas visited.

After a red carpet greeting by health officials, the Governor General commenced his tour of the Children’s Ward, where he interacted with patients; and gift presentations drew bright smiles and happy hands.

He next participated in the cutting of ribbons and unveiling of plaques of the newly renovated wards, followed by anointing with Holy Water, and Intercessions led by Canon Campbell.

The Governor General was excited to be able to commence the tour of the public health facilities especially after the scaled down version in 2020 due to the height of COVID-19 pandemic, which forced widespread guidelines and restrictions.  He will also tour Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, and the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

(Children’s Ward)

His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General, presents a gift to a patient on the Children’s Ward during his Annual Visit and tour of Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 6, 2021. Looking on are Charlene Davis, Principal Nursing Officer; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; and Andrew Edwards, Chairman of the Board of the Public Hospitals Authority.  (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

The Governor General interacts with a male patient on the Children’s Ward during his Annual Visit and tour of Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 6, 2021. Looking is the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness.  (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

(Male Surgical Ward I)

Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith unveils the plaque of newly renovated and recommissioned Male Surgical Ward I during his Annual Visit and tour of the Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 6, 2021. Also present is the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness.  (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

(Medical/Surgical Ward East)

Unveiling of plaque of newly renovated and recommissioned Medical/Surgical Ward East.   (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

(GG gets plaque)

His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General, was presented a plaque of appreciation during his Annual Visit and tour of the Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, December 6, 2021. Pictured from left are: Dr. Caroline Burnett-Garraway, Medical Chief of Staff; Tamara Davis, Deputy Hospital Administrator; Sir Cornelius; Leticia Dean, Administrative Professional; and Charlene Davis, Principal Nursing Officer, Princess Margaret Hospital.  (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)