The St.Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society (SVGRC) is expected to benefit from stronger bilateral relationships with other Red Cross Societies across the world, following its participation in the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IFRC, held last month in Geneva, Switzerland.

Director General of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society, Dora James was among delegates in attendance at the 23rd session of the IFRC General Assembly, held from June 19-21, a release from the Red Cross states.

James said the General Assembly, which meets every two years, is the highest decision- making body of the IFRC. She said the discussions at this year’s Assembly focused on the development of National Societies, with the theme: Local Action: Global Reach.

According to James, issues such as trust and integrity featured prominently in the dialogue this year in light of the fact that the Red Cross depends on donors and other partners to provide financial assistance and other forms of support.

She noted that several other areas of discussion included youth development, climate change, volunteerism and migration.

James said the local Red Cross Society will continue to align its plans and programmes with the priorities of the International Red Cross, as it responds to the priorities of the Red Cross Movement. She noted that some of the areas discussed at the General Assembly are already being undertaken by the local Red Cross, including projects relating to climate change.

The Director General said the IFRC provides support for the activities of the local Red Cross Society, and the General Assembly also provides an opportunity for the local society to network with delegates from some 192 National Societies across the world which may be able to offer financial or technical assistance.

She pointed out as well that the local Society is emerging from a very challenging period, during which its resources were stretched to the limit, to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dengue outbreak, and the explosive eruption of La Soufriere Volcano.

Going forward, James noted that the local Red Cross Society will continue to collaborate with the government, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), and local service organisations, including Churches, to carry forward its plans and programmes.

She also appealed to retired persons with special skills or who may have the time to assist and support the Red Cross in its ongoing work to help vulnerable persons in the society.

James said the organisation will be seeking in the months ahead to invest in new programmes, including youth development, and to also strengthen its Health Department to enhance the capacity of the organisation to deliver the services it provides to various sectors.