OCTOBER 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SYGNUS CHAMPIONS HOPE WITH RENEWED COMMITMENT TO BREAST CANCER SUPPORT
THROUGH DONATION TO JCS AND JR2R
DONATION TO FUND 50 MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS AND PROVIDE FINANCIAL AID FOR
PERSONS BATTLING BREAST CANCER
(Kingston, Jamaica) – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sygnus Credit Investments (SCI) has once again reaffirmed its commitment by spearheading the firm’s annual
initiative in the fight against breast cancer. Sygnus has donated a total of J$600,000, equally distributed between the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) and Jamaica Reach To Recovery
(JR2R). This year’s contribution was complemented with a meaningful engagement, where the Sygnus team participated in a meet-and-greet session with both the JCS and JR2R to discuss
ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support individuals affected by breast cancer.
The meet-and-greet included Sygnus’ Renee Rickards, Senior Marketing Manager; Damani Reid, Manager, Investment Management; Nicollette Bailey, Investment Management Analyst;
and Tanajh Cunningham, Marketing Associate, along with Michael Leslie, Acting Executive Director at the JCS; Dionne Thomas, Public Relations Assistant, JCS; Sandra Samuels,
President of JR2R; and Carolind Graham, Chairperson of JR2R. During the session, JCS and JR2R provided insights into the current landscape of breast cancer awareness and prevention
in Jamaica, highlighting the critical importance of partnerships like these in supporting their work, while Sygnus reaffirmed their dedication to fighting breast cancer through advocacy and
financial contributions.
“At Sygnus, we are committed to spreading hope by offering tangible support in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Through our partnership with the Jamaica Cancer Society and
Jamaica Reach to Recovery, we are not just providing financial aid—we are actively investing in the well-being of our community and standing in solidarity with those affected by Breast Cancer.
This year, we are proud to donate J$600,000 to support the cause. We believe that together we can help more people overcome, thrive, and work towards a stronger, healthier future,”
expressed Bailey.
According to the JCS, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Jamaica. In 2022, 1,327 women were diagnosed with the disease, with a mortality rate of 35.2 per 100,000
women. The incidence rate has risen to 71.1 per 100,000 women, up from 43.1 per 100,000 women. Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R), a charity run by dedicated volunteers who support
those diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighted that many women struggle to afford tests, medication, and treatment. JR2R noted that women in rural areas such as St. Mary, St. Thomas,
Hanover, Portland, and St. Elizabeth often lack access to screening facilities and must travel to Kingston, Montego Bay, or the nearest parish with available resources for assistance. The
donation from Sygnus will help strengthen the JCS mammography screening programme, funding mammograms for 50 women. Additionally, JR2R will use the funds to support uninsured
women or those with minimal or no income, helping cover the cost of tests, scans, biopsies, medication, and treatment.
Leslie highlighted the concerning rise in breast cancer cases in Jamaica, stating, “This increase reflects more women being diagnosed with breast cancer across the island. A mammogram,
which enables early detection, remains the gold standard for screening. I urge all women aged 40 and older to get their mammograms done, and those with a strong family history of breast
cancer to begin screening even earlier.” He continued, “Our partnership with Sygnus over the years has been invaluable. It has allowed many Jamaican women, who might otherwise lack
access, to receive critical breast cancer screenings. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sygnus team for their ongoing support, and we encourage other organizations to join forces with
the JCS in providing screening for more Jamaican women in need.”
Sygnus continues to demonstrate its commitment to raising breast cancer awareness through a series of meaningful initiatives this October. The One Belmont building shines in pink each
evening, symbolising their solidarity with the cause. Team members have actively participated in events like the CIBC Walk for the Cure and joined the ICWI JR2R Pink Run. On social media,
Sygnus is sharing educational content to engage and inform their audience, further amplifying the message. Internally, the company has been distributing weekly updates to promote greater
awareness of breast cancer among employees. Additionally, a “Lunch and Learn” session, led by JR2R Chairperson Carolind Graham, provided valuable insights, fostering increased
education and awareness within the team.
During their visit to the JR2R facility, the Sygnus team gained insight into the organisation’s vital services, which include providing prosthetics, specialised bras, and swimsuits tailored for
survivors. Additionally, Sygnus presented two self-care gift baskets to the JR2R participants as a gesture of appreciation.
“Many women diagnosed with breast cancer face the heartbreaking choice between feeding their families and paying for tests and treatments. That’s why support is vital to our ability to
continue helping these women. Cancer is a time-sensitive issue, and as a charity, Jamaica Reach to Recovery receives no ongoing financial support from the government or Corporate
Jamaica. We rely on donations, like those from Sygnus, to remain sustainable. Outside of our annual Pink Run fundraiser in October, our income is minimal, coming from the sale of
prostheses, bras, gym wear, swimwear, pins, and occasional donations. The continued partnership with Sygnus means everything—it is essential to our sustainability and our ability to
assist these women.” shared Samuels.
Sygnus continues to make significant contributions towards supporting the fight against breast cancer. The company’s ongoing partnership with both JCS and JR2R exemplifies its dedication
to improving healthcare access and supporting those affected by this life-altering disease. Through financial contributions and hands-on engagement, Sygnus is proud to be a part of the
journey towards a future where early detection, treatment, and recovery are more accessible to all.
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About Sygnus
Sygnus is a leading alternative investment firm in the Caribbean and Latin America, dedicated to driving economic development across the region through creative and innovative financing solutions. By offering a range of investment alternatives, including private credit, real estate financing, and private equity, Sygnus addresses unmet demands, unlocking capital for growing enterprises and playing a pivotal role in regional economic growth. The cutting-edge alternative investment (AI) platform is fueled by transformative strategies designed to accelerate development across the Caribbean and Latin America. This platform is backed by a team of forward-thinking experts who craft tailored solutions for our clients, complemented by dedicated investment banking and wealth management services. Sygnus also provides specialised services in Puerto Rico through Sygnus Capital PR LLC, formerly known as Acrecent Financial. As of December 2023, the company expanded its offerings, reaffirming its commitment to delivering innovative and personalised financing solutions that foster the island’s economic growth.
