Seven health clinics around the country received a quantity of medical supplies, compliments the United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn last Friday, October 26.{{more}}

This is the third donation by the US based group since its formation in 2003 and brings the number of clinics that have benefitted from the initiative to 18.

Clinics in Barrouallie, Enhams, Mesopotamia, Richland Park, Rose Hall, Sion Hill and South Rivers were the recipients of a number of medical items including beds and wheel chairs.

Dr Sherian Slater, Chief Medical Officer (Ag) said that the partnership between the local health sector and the group is a welcomed initiative now, as the sector is undergoing some improvements.

She added that the donation is especially welcomed, because she had only served in the capacity of CMO for less than a week and already she has had to deal with a number of complaints.

Senior Nursing Officer in the Department of Mental Health Peggy Da Silva also expressed her gratitude for the donation of the supplies.

She commented on the extent of the work done so far, saying that the thoughtfulness of the group would allow for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines to access health care.

“Your thoughtfulness will ensure that patients will get better attention from a happier nurse,” Da Silva said.

“They are a very educated group and have gone out to ensure that they know what the needs are in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” former Consul General Cosmos Cozier said.

He added that he has had a long association with the group while serving in the US and described the hard work put in by this organisation.

This prompted him to speak about a concern of his, in relation to the lengthy process involved in getting charitable items into the country.

“We would like to see some of the red tape cut down,” Cozier said.

“Sometimes we wonder if we are foreigners,” he continued.

Cozier, in his presentation said that it was important for the locals to be appreciative when they reflect on the amount of money that has been spent and the effort put in by members of the group to journey to St Vincent to hand over the items in person.

He commended them for their good work and for their continued contribution.

Head of the organisation Dr Roxie Irish said that the experience was very humbling for members of the group to be chosen as servants.

“This is not a chore; it’s a God given assignment and we have to complete it,” Irish said during her brief remarks.

She commended the local nursing staff, saying that she admired their commitment, although they often worked with limited resources.

“But they are making a difference,” she said.

The group was formed nine years ago and has now grown to 35 members, some of whom are children.

The focus of the group is to provide medical assistance to those in need, with special emphasis on supplies for the various clinics on the island.(DD)