Saint James School of Medicine Anguilla is officially open

The inauguration festivities of Saint James School of Medicine Anguilla were a grand success. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony and the Inauguration Gala were well attended and speeches were well received. Shirsha Guha, Chief Operating Officer at Saint James, thanked everyone who contributed to this memorable event in the School’s history. “First and foremost, I would like to thank our students who believe in Saint James and Anguilla and put their trust in us to deliver a quality education and a good island experience. “Next, our team from Chicago: the men and women who work tirelessly, and sometimes thanklessly, behind the scenes in Chicago to recruit the students and faculty, and work with current students and faculty to ensure the smooth operation of the school. They make sure that the schools and the facilities are top notch, in good working order and that standards are maintained at the highest level possible. “Thanks also to the faculty members for working so closely with our students and preparing them for the physician’s way of life. “And also to our staff in Anguilla, including our charismatic School Coordinator, Mr. Ricardo Jeremiah, who are instrumental in keeping order on school on a daily basis. A special thanks to our Deans from Bonaire who shared their experiences with the faculty and a staff here in Anguilla. It was very special to have all representatives from all of our locations: Chicago, Bonaire and Anguilla in one place. “But, most of all, our heartfelt thanks to the people of Anguilla. Not just to the members of the government, current and former, who have worked closely with us to establish us as an accredited medical school, but to all the landlords and grocery store operators, bus and taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel owners, and the countless others who make our students and faculty members’ lives better while they are here on the island. They are what make this island truly beautiful.” Raj Mitra, Director of Admissions, was MC for the inauguration and a highlight of the event was when he introduced 29 members of the faculty and staff of Saint James to the assembled dignitaries, joking that he promised the guests would never again be surrounded by so many doctors, unless they were in a hospital. Guests included His Excellency the Governor, The Chief Minster, The Minister of Health and Social Development and members of the Anguillan government and administration. Dr. Kallol Guha, founder, President and CEO of Saint James, outlined the history of Saint James Anguilla and thanked the Government of Anguilla for their support and encouragement throughout the founding of the School. Dr. Jay Pandit, Dean of Clinical Affairs, Minister for Heath and Social Development Edison Baird and Dr Claude Iliou, Dean of Basic Sciences, also shared their thoughts on the journey leading to the inauguration of the School, with Mr. Baird saying “What I see as a success for saint James School of Medicine, I see as a success for the Government of Anguilla.” Governor Alistair Harrison and Dr. Guha then cut the ribbon and celebrations ensued. The Anguillian Newspaper published a detailed article on the inauguration on August 19.