The first group of volunteers deployed with the Barbados Defence Force’s Emergency Medical Team (BDF EMT) under OPERATION HELPING HANDS, who is returning home, described the experience in Jamaica as meaningful and rewarding.
The team departed Barbados on November 22 to deliver humanitarian support to the Savannah La-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland, following the Government of Barbados’ commitment to assist Jamaica after the country was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.
Administration team member, Jelani Thompson, said she volunteered to be a part of the relief effort, but on arrival the level of devastation seen was more than she expected.
Despite that, the BDF EMT volunteer said she was grateful for the opportunity to help the people of Jamaica as she was passionate about giving back and helping those in communities.
Laboratory Technician, Akeida Mings, also described her experience working with the BDF EMT as “eye opening”.
She explained that she quickly had to adjust to what was happening on the ground to get the lab “up and running” to ensure patients had timely results. “I am just happy to support Jamaica in its tough time,” she said.
Nursing Assistant, Donna Davis, also noted that she was happy to get the experience in helping people, but stressed that what was important was for the people to understand that they truly cared.
Officer-in-Charge of Medical Services with the BDF EMT, Lieutenant Commander Anderson Goodridge, thanked the volunteers for their yeomen service to the Government and people of Jamaica.
“I want to thank you for the effort; it was a splendid effort. We had some ups and downs…but at the end of the day it is how you get back up to handle these situations. I think you got back up and put in the fight, and it was successful. Thank you and have a safe trip home,” he said, noting it was sad to see those team members go.
However, he encouraged them to step forward and return to Jamaica on another rotation to continue giving back to the country that is still trying to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
Lt. Commander Goodridge noted that some deployed opted to remain in Jamaica for an extended tour of duty in rendering humanitarian assistance to the country.
Barbados Defence Force Emergency Medical Team
