04/08/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Deputy Chief of Staff Macdonald Metzger Donates Solar Lights to St. Timothy Hospital and Communities in Grand Cape Mount County
Robertsport City, Grand Cape Mount County | August 1, 2026 – As part of activities marking his birthday, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration in the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Macdonald M. Metzger, on Saturday launched the distribution of solar-powered street lights to communities across Grand Cape Mount County, beginning with St. Timothy Hospital, the county's only referral hospital.
The initiative, made possible through contributions from friends and colleagues, will provide 50 solar-powered lights to towns and communities that currently lack access to electricity. The first phase of the donation saw 15 solar lights presented to St. Timothy Hospital in Robertsport to improve visibility and safety along the unpaved road leading to the hospital and St. John's Irving Memorial Episcopal Church.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Metzger said the donation was his way of giving back to the county that raised him while celebrating his birthday, observed on July 31, 2026. He noted that access to lighting is essential for public safety, particularly for patients, health workers, worshippers, and residents who travel at night.
"This is a simple act of service inspired by the generosity of friends and colleagues who wanted to celebrate my birthday by making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We hope these lights will improve safety and bring comfort to those who use this road every day," Dr. Metzger said.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Issa Swary, Chief Medical Director of St. Timothy Hospital, described the gesture as "timely and God-sent." He explained that the road leading to the hospital has long posed safety concerns due to the absence of lighting.
According to Dr. Swary, commercial motorcycle riders are often reluctant to transport patients to the hospital at night because of the darkness, while pedestrians face similar risks.
"These lights will make it safer for patients, visitors, and healthcare workers to access the hospital after dark. This donation comes at the right time, and we are deeply grateful to Dr. Metzger and everyone who made it possible," he said.
Robertsport City Mayor Bai Massaquoi also welcomed the initiative, expressing pride that one of the county's own had returned to invest in the wellbeing of the community.
He noted that while most of the lights will be installed along the road leading to the hospital, several will also illuminate the Uptown corridor toward the Methodist Church—an area residents have identified as particularly unsafe at night.
"This makes me proud because Dr. Metzger is a son of Robertsport and Grand Cape Mount County. We need more of our sons and daughters to follow this example. Our city needs continued support, and every contribution makes a difference," Mayor Massaquoi said.
Representatives of local women and youth organizations attended the ceremony.
Also participating was the Vicar of St. John's Irving Memorial Episcopal Church, Rev. Fr. Allen Vahton Gaye, who described the donation as "God's timely intervention."
He said improved lighting would benefit both church members and patients traveling to the hospital at night by creating a safer environment for the community. He offered prayers for the delegation and blessed the donation.
The distribution of solar lights will continue this weekend in Porkpa District, where several towns and villages are expected to benefit from the initiative.
The delegation from the Office of the Vice President included Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Derrick Gaye, Comptroller Gabriel G. Goah, Press Secretary Richmond O. Neufville, Special Assistant to the Vice President Edwin Korden, Photographer Tommylee George, and Dr. Jacob Mahina, representing the Office of the Second Lady and the Group of 77.
Also joining the delegation were friends and colleagues from the Special Presidential Project Coordinating Committee (SPPCC) for the Yellow Machines, including Comptroller Ibrahim Robert Kiazolu and Director of Procurement Gaylor Howard.
The solar light initiative reflects the values of community service, volunteerism, and national development, and supports the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development by improving safety and quality of life in underserved communities.
The initiative also embodies the spirit of public service championed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., encouraging citizens and public servants alike to give back to their communities through practical acts of service.
