A young and enterprising Anguillian businessman, Eldon Rey, of Little Harbour, has come up with a thoughtful and much-needed transportation facility. It is a limousine service for the elderly and disabled.

The Limousine imported by Mr. Eldon Rey

The Ambulette, as the vehicle is called, is equipped with a wheelchair lift and hand-rail entrance. The bus, imported by Mr. Rey early this month, has a seating capacity for 22 passengers and space for three wheelchairs. It was introduced to provide safe and comfortable transportation for senior citizens throughout the island.

The Provide A Ride Ambulette Service, as the transport system has been described, had its first engagement on January 14. That was when residents at the Tender Loving Care Home were transported to the Rodney MacArthur Auditorium for the Friends of the Hospital-sponsored senior citizens luncheon and then back to their home.

Ms Brenda Hodge, Head Nurse and owner of that home, said she was excited by the new transportation service. She thought it was perfect for Ms Jo Louie Buchanan, an 89-year-old bilateral amputee of North Hill. The ageing lady, who became a resident at the Tender Loving Care Home since 2005, has been bedridden and wheelchair bound for many years.

“She is very alert and oriented and is much-deserving to see all around Anguilla,” Ms Hodge stated. The Ambulette Service has brought much joy to her, her care-givers, children, other relatives, friends and well-wishers. She will now be able to travel more with other TLC residents throughout the island. "Thank you, Eldon Rey.”

Mrs. Buchannan in wheelchair descending from vehicle

Mr. Rey expressed appreciation to Ms Hodge and other persons for their commendation. He has shown a great deal of concern for elderly and disabled citizens of Anguilla over the years as he pondered how he could be of special service. A release received by The Anguillian stated as follows:

“He has always been speaking about a change of scenery for the elderly and their need to see and enjoy the changes and progress that have taken place across their beloved Anguilla. He has many times visited the two nursing homes on the island and made contributions to them. Mr. Rey saw the difficulty in transporting some of the inmates and decided as the years go by that he would provide a Limousine Service for the elderly and disabled.”

Mr. Rey’s dream and promise have now been fulfilled: not only to transport the elderly at the two homes, but all those in various areas of Anguilla as well.

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