Maria Isabel Rodriguez Photo Credit: SCHNEIDER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Schneider Regional Medical Center announced Friday that along with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and the family and friends of the late Maria Isabel Rodriguez, it will host a plaque dedication ceremony at the Charaf Family Heliport at SRMC on Tuesday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Rodriguez was the pilot of a helicopter that crashed on Feb. 15, 2021 at Botany Bay in St. Thomas, killing Rodriguez and a family of three that were traveling with her.
According to the release, Maria and her company, the Caribbean Buzz, have been instrumental in providing air transportation and evacuation services to SRMC patients and the wider community over the past 20 years. A plaque is being installed on the Charaf Family Heliport to permanently honor Maria's legacy and her many contributions to the Virgin Islands' community, the hospital said.
"SRMC is proud to support this tribute to honor Maria Rodriquez," stated Tina M. Comissiong, SRMC chief executive.
The Charaf Family Heliport was donated to SRMC in 2006 through The Charaf Family Fund at CFVI as part of an overall commitment by Ricardo J. and Josefina Pasarell Charaf to expand the emergency services capabilities and upgrade the level of trauma care at SRMC.
"We are thrilled that our vision years ago has helped in so many ways and supported the important work of Maria and her colleagues. We are honored to recognize her life's accomplishments in this way," said Mr. Charaf.
"The Charaf Family Fund is one of more than 140 funds at the Community Foundation," said Dee Brown, president of CFVI. "Since its establishment in 1990, CFVI has provided more than $52 million in grants and services in the territory."
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