Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS Unite to Secure Lifesaving Spinal Surgery for Antiguan Woman

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua — The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF), working in collaboration with the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), has helped facilitate the successful medical transfer of Antiguan resident Ms. Mary Jean Samantha Baptiste to Trinidad and Tobago for specialized spinal surgery unavailable locally.

According to Antigua News Room, Ms. Baptiste had been facing significant health challenges over several months before requiring urgent overseas intervention. Through coordinated efforts involving healthcare professionals, the MBS, and CalvinAir Helicopters, arrangements were made to ensure she could safely access the treatment she needed in a timely manner.

The MBS covered the cost of the medical procedure, while CalvinAir Helicopters handled the patient's transfer to Trinidad. Ms. Baptiste has since returned safely to Antigua and is currently recovering well at home.

Dr. Brian Byers, the consulting doctor who accompanied Ms. Baptiste during the transfer, commended the Foundation's response. "The professionalism, compassion, and efficiency demonstrated by the Calvin Ayre Foundation were truly remarkable," he said. "Their willingness to move quickly and work alongside the relevant agencies helped make it possible for this patient to receive the urgent care she needed."

Ms. Baptiste expressed deep gratitude to all those involved. "My family and I cannot thank the entire team enough for such a quick response. Your expertise during my medical emergency was vital. We are all grateful for your compassion and for getting me safely to my destination when it mattered most."

Patrice Jacobs, Media and Production Associate at CAF, said the Foundation remains dedicated to supporting urgent medical cases. "We understand how overwhelming medical emergencies can be for families. We were honoured to play a role in helping Ms. Baptiste access the care she required and are pleased to know she is recovering at home."

The successful transfer underscores the value of strong collaboration between public and private partners in ensuring citizens can access critical healthcare when specialised services are unavailable locally. The Calvin Ayre Foundation says it remains committed to working alongside healthcare professionals and institutions to help bridge those gaps across Antigua and Barbuda.