FirstBank Supports Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities with Medical Equipment Donation

A generous donation from FirstBank is set to aid the Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) in their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of the disabled community in the Virgin Islands, the University of the Virgin Islands has announced.

In a ceremony held at the University of the Virgin Island’s (UVI) 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center on Friday, Oct. 6, UVI recognized FirstBank for their donation which facilitated the acquisition of essential medical equipment for the disabled community across the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix districts.

Among the displayed equipment were some of the newly-acquired wheelchairs and walking canes. UVI's President, Dr. David Hall, praised the collaboration saying, "It is alliances like these that bridge the community gaps. This act of generosity by FirstBank towards VIUCEDD will greatly benefit the disabled community in the U.S. Virgin Islands."

Dina Perry-Malone, vice president and USVI market manager of FirstBank, emphasized their longstanding dedication to community welfare, “Supporting non-profits like UVI VIUCEDD that address critical community needs aligns with FirstBank's mission, a commitment we've held for 75 years."

Highlighting the significance of the medical equipment, VIUCEDD Executive Director, Shamika Thomas said, “Mobility aids like wheelchairs can transform lives. They can mean the difference between confinement and community interaction. We are grateful to FirstBank Virgin Islands' Community Reinvestment Program for supporting this initiative.”