Japanese To Fund Ambulance For Red Cross

US$60,213 Cheque Presented

THE St. Lucia Red Cross is the grateful recipient of a grant of US $60,213 from the government and people of Japan for the purchase of an ambulance.

The donation comes at a time when it is most needed as the Red Cross is currently serving without an ambulance as a result of a suspected arson when supplies and an ambulance were burnt at the headquarters on December 27, 2013.

Funding for this project came from the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project which is otherwise known as GGP and will be used to purchase one ambulance and its basic equipment as well as cover the cost of transporting the vehicle to St. Lucia.

Second Secretary to the Embassy of Japan, TakafumiUra said his government’s primary objective through this project is to improve the first aid services of the St. Lucia Red Cross Society.

Ura said; “I have no doubt that this project is truly one which meets ‘basic human needs’ and we are very pleased that we can assist through the GGP. This ambulance vehicle will contribute towards ensuring sustainability and universality in emergency ambulance services”.

He added; “I would also like to highlight that Japan’s commitment to developing the emergency response and disaster prevention initiatives within St. Lucia is not limited to procurement components only but is also present through volunteer support”.

Ura was referring to the Japanese national, NozoniImoto who was dispatched as a staff member of the Red Cross for a two year period between July 2014-June 2016 to assist with youth development and other cross cultural initiatives throughout different schools.

President of the Red Cross, Kenneth Monplaisir and the organisation’s Director General, Terencia Gaillard expressed their deep gratitude for the donation and stated that the gift was timely as it came during the time of great celebration in St. Lucia

Monplaisir noted that this was not the first time that Japan had come to the aid of the Red Cross as they had previously been the recipients of a Toyota van which the organisation used to carry out Red Cross duties.

Dr. Alisha Eugene from the Ministry of Health said it was a great pleasure to receive such a grant on behalf of the St. Lucia Government.

She said: “It is worth stating that the support that we have received over the years from the Japanese Government towards our overall development will not go unnoticed and for that we are eternally indebted”.

During the proceedings, the Ambassador was treated to a traditional dance, the “La Comet” from two representatives of the St. Lucia Red Cross Youth, Natalie Louis and Earl Adgomar.