Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/458344
9 B M & T ••• November/December 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com CARIBBEAN CORNER A new medical facility in the Caribbean is offering affordable, world-class services to its neighbors as an alternative to the rising health care costs typically found throughout the region and North America. Founded by Narayana Health's Dr. Devi Shetty, a philanthropist and personal physician of the late Mother Teresa, Health City Cayman Islands opened its doors in February, 2014. The state- of-the-art medical facility in the western Caribbean is one of 26 facilities Dr. Shetty operates across the globe. Marketing Director Shomari Scott, a former director of Tourism in the Cayman Islands, told regional tourism ministers and directors during meetings of the annual Caribbean Tourism Organization's Caribbean Week in New York recently that Health City is offering a welcome mat to its region- al neighbors. Health City Cayman Islands currently offers cardiac surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, pulmonology, and pediatric endocrinology serv- ices that are affordable and accessible. "A person's socioeconomic status should not determine his or her ability to receive quality, patient-centered medical care, and our doors are wide open to Caribbean citizens," said Scott, who noted that costs are up to 40 percent lower than similar tertiary care facilities in the Western Hemisphere. More than a medical facility, Health City is a destination where patients benefit from holistic healing treatments offered by expert physi- cians and specialists who have attained the highest levels of international training and knowledge. Every aspect of the care delivered demonstrates a commitment to creating a sense of place and belonging for patients. "We are driven by the vision of our founder, Dr. Shetty, who believes that process efficiencies and economies of scale can, and should, drastical- ly reduce the cost of medical care," said Dr. Chandy Abraham, facility director and head of Medical Services at Health City Cayman Islands. "We believe our patients deserve not only the best medical treatment, but also the most respectful, thoughtful and effective recovery in a sooth- ing environment. In fact, our hospital is specially designed to allow lots of natural light and views of greenery to be part of the healing process," said Dr. Abraham. He added: "Because we are so passionate about our mis- sion, we have harnessed the power of the world's best medicine and med- ical practices in this unique facility." Scott will soon embark on a Caribbean-wide tour with Dr. Abraham to promote the medical facility. The Health City officials are set to shortly announce their vision to offer much-needed medical care to disadvan- taged children across the region. For further information, visit www.healthcitycaymanislands.com. The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), home to stilt-walking Mocko Jumbies and icon- ic dishes like kallaloo, is gearing up for a busy fall with new tourism experiences, signature events, and accommodation savings. With no passport required and direct flight options from major city air- ports, the Territory is perfect for a fall escape from the chilly arriving weather. In an effort to provide more gateways to St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Delta Airlines have announced a new, nonstop flight to the island from Atlanta, GA. The weekly Saturday service from Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport will commence on December 20, 2014, and run through at least August 15, 2015. Flights can already be booked through www.- delta.com. St. Croix - Crucian Christmas Carnival St. Croix's Crucian Christmas Carnival occurs throughout December and into January. Highlights include the food fair, with plenty of mouthwatering local tastes such as red grout and conch, and the vibrant adults' and children's parades. With Mocko Jumbies, Carnival dancers, and constant Calypso music, the Carnival is an exotic way to ring in the hol- iday season. For more information, visit: www.stxcarnival.com. CARIBBEAN MEDICAL FACILITY WELCOMES REGIONAL NEIGHBOURS Shomari Scott Photo Credit: Byron Moore WHAT'S NEW THIS FALL IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS