Dr. Cecil Cyrus Museum handed over to UWI Cave Hill Faculty of Medical Sciences in Barbados
By Admin. Updated 12:00 p.m., Sunday, August 11, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The entire museum collection of distinguished Vincentian medical doctor – the late Sir Cecil Cyrus was formally handed over to the Faculty of Medical Sciences of The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.
At a ceremony at the Cyrus’ residence at Government Road in Old Montrose, on Friday the wife of the Late Dr. Cyrus – Kathryn, Lady Cyrus handed over the museum.
During her remarks, she said it is a fulfillment of her husband’s dream to make an impact.
Speaking on behalf of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The UWI Cave Hill Campus, Mrs. Juann Ward – Senior Medical Lab Technologists said:
“The museum collection has been packed in a container and ready for shipment to Barbados. Among the items include anatomical samples of various types and a very antique anesthesia machine, various types of human and whale bones, albums of photos of various diseases , original certificates, books from his library, and surgical instruments he worked with.”
She said:
“So we came across a lot extremely interesting samples. The usual gynecological samples like the fibroids . There was a heart which was pierced with a blunt object with what appears to be a piece of wood. The different stages of fetal development from embryonic upwards, and the like.”
The medical students, and biology students will certainly benefit, educationally, from the samples that have been donated, she added.
During her remarks, Administrative Officer at the UWI Global Campus St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Mrs. Camille Lakhram said:
“The most important thing is about the preservation of a legacy, and the importance of it going forward for future generations and the consideration of a very unselfish act by the Cyrus family to share this with the Caribbean and the world. And I think sometimes we think of things as pure but sometimes it is so much bigger than ours.”
Meanwhile Keerti Singh – Senior Lecturer in Anatomy at the UWI Cave Hill Faculty of Medical Sciences said the donated items and samples will serve as important teaching aids and will help to facilitate active learning among students.
We are extremely greatful to the Cyrus family for the donation. I am sure the students will benefit tremendously All of these are extremely interesting teaching tools, she told One News SVG after the ceremony.
The UWI describes Dr. Sir Cecil Cyrus OBE, CBE as a renowned physician and surgeon, who through selfless service, advanced medical care in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He opened his museum in May 2002 after he retired in that year, according to his family members. He died in March 2023.
The UWI said it is “honored to contribute to maintaining his legacy as a true light arising from the west”.
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