KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Sagicor Foundation has addressed public scrutiny surrounding the disbursement of proceeds from the 2023 Sigma Corporate Run, following criticism from the political opposition regarding the use of funds earmarked for the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).
At the centre of the debate is approximately $91 million raised by the charity event, which had two intended beneficiaries: Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and UHWI’s Paediatric Unit. Concerns were raised by the Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr Alfred Dawes, who questioned whether funds dedicated to improving care for children had been diverted without adequate consultation or disclosure.
“These revelations are troubling,” Dr Dawes stated, asserting that any deviation from the original commitments must be met with full transparency and public accountability. He called on UHWI to publish a comprehensive breakdown of the spending.
In its formal response, Sagicor Foundation confirmed that approximately US$495,000 (roughly J$79.2 million) was allocated towards the procurement of a CT scanner for UHWI. The equipment was acquired from an authorized Philips distributor, and the foundation reports that the machine was shipped in December 2025 with delivery expected by February 2026.
The foundation further emphasized that the funds were managed in accordance with its governance standards, ensuring all proceeds are directed to the causes announced. “Sagicor Foundation Jamaica remains unwavering in its commitment to transparency and to honouring its pledges to beneficiaries,” the statement read.
The clarification, however, comes after weeks of speculation over whether internal miscommunication or procedural lapses had caused a misalignment between the hospital’s paediatric leadership and the foundation’s actions. While the CT scanner represents a significant investment in diagnostics and broader paediatric care, the situation has reignited debate around corporate donations, institutional oversight, and public trust in charitable campaigns.
As the machine makes its way to the island, the focus now shifts to whether this explanation satisfies public concern—and whether future campaigns will demand stricter joint oversight between fundraisers and their intended beneficiaries.
