A labour of love

Chemist, free sanitiser maker lends a helping hand

The safety and health of needy citizens should never depend on their ability to pay, especially during a raging pandemic, said chemist Dr Samuel Miller, who has so far manufactured more than 600 bottles of hand sanitiser for distribution to people in need.

As companies across the world cash in on the growing demand for alcohol-based hand cleaners to protect against the deadly COVID-19, he has been embarking on a labour of love from the kitchen of an Adventist church on the outskirts of Bridgetown.

“First of all, there is a need, and no one should be charged for wanting to be safe. That is my perspective on the entire thing,” said Dr Miller, the Director of Research at the Barbados Community College.

“My aim is to serve the community and if someone needs help and we can do something to help them, there shouldn’t be a charge attached. It is that simple; it isn’t magic,” he added.

The educator has been working closely with the Personal Ministries Director of the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Dayle Haynes, who is stationed on the frontlines of an effort to provide supplies to Barbadians in need.

Dr Miller explained that the idea took root as he and many others were combing Bridgetown three weeks ago desperately looking for hand sanitiser as supplies were starting to dwindle.

“I complained to a friend and she said, ‘well you’re the chemist, you should make some’, and I took her seriously,” Miller recalled with a chuckle.

After some brief research into the composition and manufacture of the products, he realised the job would not be very difficult. His formula consists of aloe vera, glycerine, 97 per cent surgical alcohol, fragrance oil and distilled water.

“I wanted it to have a really nice and gentle effect on the hands as well, hence the inclusion of aloe vera and glycerine and I used the distilled water as a delusion factor. I did a test run here at church about three Saturdays ago and it worked very well among the children that I teach.

Pastor Dale Haynes heard about it and from then until now, this is what we have been doing to give away to our communities,” said the chemist.

The cost of those critical ingredients is being covered by Dr Miller, Pastor Haynes, the local SDA conference and donations from the public.

The scientist said he is dedicated to offering the service as long as is necessary but acknowledged that some critical ingredients like glycerine have become very scarce owing to tremendous demand.

Added to the hours spent making gallons of sanitiser, Dr Miller continues to honour his obligations to the BCC and he is currently preparing comprehensive surveys to examine the experiences of students and tutors at the college as they weather the COVID-19 storm.

“It’s easy,” he replied when asked how he balances the two time-consuming projects.

“I like working as a research leader and I like doing this labour of love. It takes time but it is necessary. I have also been given the endorsement of my principal in terms of assisting the community because we are a community college as well and this is one area where a member of the college can give back to the community,” Dr Miller explained.

Given time constraints, the chemist has not been able to distribute the products with Pastor Haynes but says approximately 50 four-ounce bottles are prepared daily as he toils alone in the kitchen of the King Street SDA Church.

But he stressed: “If you have a choice, wash your hands with soap and water. Wash them carefully for about 20 seconds, and if you cannot get access to soap and water, the next best thing is the sanitiser. It should not replace soap and water.”

The veteran scientist has also praised the Mia Mottley administration’s management of the situation despite the perceived missteps along the way.

“I think the administration has been very proactive in terms of putting measures in place, sensitising the people, encouraging them to do things like physical distancing, and personal hygiene.

It took some time for that to sink in for Barbadians, but change is a slow process,” said Dr Miller.

“I don’t think we will get it right without some attempts at modifying it.

What we have done so far seems to be a bit more than just a step in the right direction…I can only encourage the leaders of this country to continue doing what they are doing because leadership is sometimes a thankless job,” he added.

kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb