The Heineken-sponsored first annual Joint Orthopaedic Neuroscience Symposium and Charity Golf Tournament has received a boost of $1.5 million from its main sponsor, it was announced on Wednesday at the CRU Bar and Kitchen in Kingston.

Speaking at the launch, Nasha-Monique Douglas, Heineken brand manager, applauded the doctors for their effort and advised the gathering that her company was pleased to be a part of the event.

“Anything to benefit Jamaica we (Heineken) want to be a part of it. When we got the proposal to be a part of this event we couldn’t say no, we just jumped right on it.

“We are here to support everyone. What the doctors are doing is good, they are raising money to buy equipment for the children and we want to give our support as well,” she said.

She added: “We want a lot of people on the golf course to enjoy themselves and to have everyone support each other, and we are pleased to lend a helping hand.”

Dr Carl Bruce, consultant neurosurgeon at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), revealed that the main aim of the event was to raise money to purchase surgical instruments for the hospital.

“Last year proceeds from our annual golf tournament were donated towards the purchase of a radiolucent frame for spinal surgery and this year all donations will be towards the purchase of surgical instruments for the University Hospital of the West Indies.”

He also stated that he was excited about the whole tournament and that he expects a good tournament.

“It is a very competitive and exciting game where we have the top golfers in the country registered to play. We have 72 players to compete and 50 prizes to give away, so I expect a good tournament this year.”

Bruce then thanked Heineken, Digicel, Scotia Bank, National Bakery and other sponsors that came on board for their support and assistance.

Also present at the launch were Imru James, assistant brand manager of Heineken; David Mais, tournament director; Moses Green, medical technologist; Professor Ivor Crandron; Dr Sara Lawrence, and Dr Wayne Palmer of the University Hospital of the West Indies.

The tournament is to be held at the Ironshore Country and Golf Club in Montego Bay on February 1.