The Children’s Life Fund to facilitate overseas treatment for sick children stood at $62.4 million plus US$222,693 in contributions at January 31, Health Minister Fuad Khan said yesterday. Replying to an Opposition query on the Senate’s agenda yesterday, Khan said at December 31, 2012, the TT value of the fund was $56m and the US contributions totalled $263,571.54. He said sums were expended on treatments out of the latter contribution between December 2012 and January 2013
Khan listed those who donated to the fund, including government ministers who contributed $1.3 million out of the total figures. He said the PP administration also contributed $60 million in two tranches of $30 million in 2011 and 2012. The Government’s contribution to the fund, Khan said, was included in the annual budgetary allocation for the health sector. Khan noted that there had not been any contributions from the Opposition PNM members.
Listing those who contributed, Khan said that included: T&T consulate general Toronto ($15,935.62); T&T consulate general New York ($31,280.50); Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Trinidad ($20,000); Indian High Commission women’s group ($25,000); Consular Corps of T&T ($100,000); Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers ($10,000); National Energy Corporation ($150,000); Arya Samaaj Foundation of T&T ($15,000); Prime Minister’s Charity Gold classic ($75,000); Xtatik Ltd ($100,000); Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry & Commerce ($10,000); A1 Auto Supplies ($1,008); Territorial Services Ltd ($800); Christmas Flea Market Committee ($1,000); Columbus Communication ($15,000); Ramdath Rampersad ($10,000); Scotiabank TT ($15,000); ADM Ltd ($100,000); Bombay Dreams ($74,060.77); Mission of Azerbaijan $12,200) and Prime Minister’s Charity Gold Classic ($50,000).
Khan also said over-the-counter bank deposits in TT currency totalled $203,757.03 Those contributing in US dollars included CAL ($199,975); Bank of Baroda ($7,000); Rotary Club of Penal ($10,000); Al Razi Mohammed ($5,000) and anonymous contributions ($718).
Khan said 18 children have so far benefited from the fund. Sums afforded to the children ranged from a high of TT$874,690.92 to a low of $6,093.51.