Who We Are

The Pediatric Assistance League of St. Kitts and Nevis (PALS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the availability of essentially needed medical treatment and health care to the children of St. Kitts and Nevis. Established in 1990, PALS has financially assisted hundreds of children to receive emergency medical care over the last 35 years. Some of the ways PALS helps includes:

  • Financially Assist with the cost of Overseas Medical Treatment
  • Flights, Accommodations, Prescriptions, and other unforeseen costs during Overseas Medical Treatment for the sick child and their parent.
  • US Visa Assistance when Medical Treatment in the USA is required
  • Donations of Essentially Needed Medical Equipment for our Pediatrics Wards in St. Kitts and Nevis.
  • Costs of MRIs, Prescriptions and Specialized Home Medical Equipment for families in need.
  • Costs of bringing overseas Specialists and Surgeons to travel to St. Kitts in cases where the sick child is unable to travel or multiple children may benefit.
  • Training for our Pediatric Nurses and Doctors.
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In addition to the financial assistance, we are a support system for the families. Many of our families have never traveled overseas and feel both nervous and overwhelmed. PALS is often an emotional support and liaison for these families. We assist with donations of winter clothing, advice on navigating airports and immigration, arrangements of infant supplies such as car seats while overseas and so much more.

The children we help are referred directly by the Pediatricians in St. Kitts and Nevis and the Head of the Pediatrics Ward. We work with these doctors as well as the Ministry of Health and Department of Social Services in the best interests of the child. We believe that our strength as a non-profit comes from these strong ties with key institutions to ensure that every child has access to the medical treatment they require, regardless of their financial constraints.

We are also fortunate to have a strong partnership the World Pediatric Project and other key organizations and hospitals in the Caribbean and the United States.

Our Board

Carolyn Chisholm – President

Ms. Carolyn Chisholm first came to St. Kitts 23 years ago from Canada and has resided in St. Kitts for over 18 years. She works with Calypso Bay Resorts Management Company, a villa development in Frigate Bay. Carolyn was independently raising funds to assist the Paediatrics Ward at JNF when she was asked to join the Board.

Giselle Matthews

Giselle Matthews (formerly Brisbane) has been a longstanding contributor to the community. She has served as member of the Board of Directors for the ICCS Immaculate Conception Catholic School and formerly with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce as a Board Member and as President. Giselle is also the owner and Manager of Harpers Office Depot in St.Kitts.

Shobha Chandiramani

Shobha Chandiramani is a lifelong resident of St.Kitts, with a strong family background of philanthropy. At present she is on the board of directors for Ram’s Trading Ltd., Delisle Walwyn &Co Ltd, and the St. Christopher Outreach Center. She feels a strong need to improve the lives of those in need. As a member of the board of PALS she is deeply invested in ensuring every child has an opportunity to lead a healthy life.

Jennifer Ramnauth

Jennifer Ramnauth is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. She has supported PALs for over a decade and became a member of the Board in 2023. Jennifer currently lives in New York and is originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

Sonya Parry

Sonya Parry is an Attorney-at-Law with twenty-five years of corporate and commercial experience. She is a partner at the law firm, Gonsalves Parry. Sonya believes in giving back to the community which nurtured her. She is a past member of the Lions Club of Nevis and is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Kitts where she served in several posts including President. Sonya is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Our Medical Advisors & Referring Pediatricians

 

  • Dr. Patrick Martin, ​Pediatrician – PALS Founder
  • Dr. Judy Nisbett​ – Medical Officer, Nevis
  • Dr. Yannick Henry​, Pediatrician – JNF Hospital St Kitts
  • Dr. Mary Herbert – Grant, ​Pediatrician – JNF Hospital, St. Kitts
  • Dr Roldofo Limonta, ​Pediatrician – Alexandra Hospital, Nevis
  • Dr. Chleo Romany-Smithen, ​Pediatrician – Alexandra Hospital, Nevis
  • Dr. Reshma Sabnani, ​Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Our Mandate

Our mandate is as follows:
    1. To help improve the access to regional and international medical care for children of St. Kitts and Nevis. Assist with the costs associated with getting the child the immediate care they require (medical costs, travel & accommodation costs, living stipends if required).

    2. To help improve the quality of life for children of St. Kitts and Nevis who suffer with chronic and/or long term medical challenges. Assist with costs associated with getting the child the tools, equipment and resources to improve their daily life.

    3. To help improve and raise the quality and standard of medical care for children of the Federation available in St. Kitts and Nevis. Assist with the costs associated with essential equipment required for the Pediatrics Ward at the Joseph N. France Hospital (St.Kitts) and the Alexandria Hospital (Nevis) as well as ongoing training and education for the medical caregivers in St. Kitts and Nevis.
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