Japan gives Red Cross Guyana US$61,478 for procurement of ambulance

 

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Red Cross Society on Tuesday (March 4) received a grant worth US$61,478 from the Government of Japan for the procurement of an ambulance, which will be used for first aid services.

Speaking at the event was Japan’s Ambassador to Guyana Yoshimasa Tezuka, who noted that the procurement of the ambulance will allow the Red Cross to improve the quality of its first aid services which will in turn help them to save lives.

“I have no doubt that this project is truly one which meets basic human needs and we are very pleased that we can assist, especially since last year marked 150th anniversary of the Red Cross,” he added.

Meanwhile, First Aid Coordinator DeVaughn Lewis explained that Red Cross Guyana has been providing first aid services to several local and national events. He said while the first responders were equipped with training and first aid kits, there was no dedicated vehicle to use at such events that could provide transportation from event to hospital.

“In the past volunteer vehicles or other standby vehicles had to be used for such purposes, having an ambulance that is well equipped will be very positive in allowing us to respond to our national needs,” he explained.

Lewis, who outlined the process which began in 2013 that has brought the organization to this juncture, expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan on behalf of Red Cross Guyana.

The grant was signed between Secretary General of the Guyana Red Cross, Dorothy Fraser and AmbassadorTezuka.

The Ceremony saw several cultural presentations both from the Guyana Red Cross and the Japanese convoy.