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RIU’s story in Jamaica began in 2001, with the opening of the Riu Palace Tropical Bay in Negril, one of the most serene areas of the country. It is no coincidence that it was in this same location that the hotel chain launched its first sustainability project in the country, kicking off a collaboration that today is celebrating more than 16 years of history and commitment to the community.
Since 2009, the Paediatric Orthopaedic Clinic in Negril has been providing free healthcare for children with mobility problems, not only those from the area, but from all over the island. Want to learn more about one of RIU’s most iconic projects in Jamaica? Keep reading!
More than a decade transforming lives
This beautiful story begins with the vision of an American doctor who, almost two decades ago, wanted to set up a medical mission in Jamaica to help children with physical disabilities. This initiative was quickly backed by Elaine Allen-Bradley, a retired nurse with a deep sense of social commitment, who organised teams of specialist volunteers from the United States and Canada.
The goal was clear: to help correct lower limb deformities in children through orthopaedic treatments, providing specialist devices, free orthopaedic care, and ongoing follow-up.
Since then, more than 650 children have received treatment at the clinic, which has allowed them to regain their mobility, integrate better into school and live a more fulfilling childhood. Since its inception, RIU has collaborated in the rent and maintenance of the centre, as well as in the logistics of solidarity accommodation for the specialist volunteers.
Several doctor’s visits are conducted each year, during which orthotics, orthopaedic shoes, wheelchairs and walkers are given out, depending on each child’s needs. In the most recent sessions, held in March and June 2025, 60 patients were seen and 120 orthotic devices were given out, along with other orthopaedic aids.
The next step: a physiotherapy service
June 2025 saw the roll out of a very important next step for the project: a new physiotherapy service that allows the children’s physical care to be continued throughout the year.
This new phase does not replace, but rather complements the four annual outreach teams made up of North American and Canadian orthopaedic specialists who continue to travel to Negril to provide free care.
Thanks to the ongoing support from RIU, substantial improvements are being achieved, such as the construction of a new waiting area, the complete renovation of the main building’s roof, the creation of an office dedicated to the physiotherapy area, and the acquisition of the equipment and materials needed to provide this service on a permanent basis. A Program Manager has also been taken on in order to coordinate the services.
In addition, this growth has prompted the formalisation of the project as a foundation, which is reflected in its name change.
The clinic was officially renamed the Elaine Allen Bradley Paediatric Orthotic Foundation in recognition of her tireless work over the years.
The opening event was attended by officials, including Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Christopher Tufton, as well as representatives from civil society and the RIU team.
This project, together with three others that RIU currently supports in Jamaica, reflects the hotel chain’s strong commitment to local communities. They are all part of the Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, which promotes social and environmental projects in the destinations where RIU operates.
