Residents of St Monica and Karawab benefit from water ambulance, compliments of FFTP and Courts
By Indrawattie Natram
Ailing residents residing in the St Monica and Karawab Amerindian communities in the Upper Pomeroon River
The new water ambulance gifted to the St Monica and Karawab communities
in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be easily transported to Hospitals on the Coastland much easier/faster with the gift that was presented to them.
Food For the Poor Guyana (FFTP) on Wednesday handed over a spanking new water ambulance along with a 40hp out-board engine to the community. The boat measuring 22 x 7.5 feet is named “ASHA” and will be used to transport patients from the two villages to Charity.
According to the CEO of FFTP Kent Vincent, the construction of the boat was funded by Food for the Poor in collaboration with kind donors from the United States of America, while Courts (Guyana) Inc donated the engine. The donation is in keeping with FFTP’s month-long 25th Anniversary Celebrations.
Speaking at the simple handing over ceremony the CEO said a water ambulance was a necessity for the two communities and called on residents from both communities to take good care of it. He pledged FFTP’s continued support to the community.
Toshoa of the Amerindian Community James Miguel expressed gratitude to both FFTP and Courts for the health boost. Miguel said the Water Ambulance provides relief for sick people in the community and described the initiative as a “useful asset” for the community.
Previously, he explained, health workers had to endure the arduous task of transporting patients, especially in the nights, by whatever means. It was explained oftentimes patients would die before reaching the Coastland.
Managing director of Courts Clyde De Hass spoke of the company’s willingness to partner with FFTP. De Hass said Courts was inspired by the struggles residents go through in the community to access medical services. He also commended the efforts of FFTP in reaching out to persons throughout Guyana.
Health Worker of St Monica Rozeeta Simon also expressed excitement that she would be using a faster boat to transport patients. She explained that previously it took three hours to get emergency cases to the Coast.
The community was equipped with a water ambulance powered by a 15hp engine.
A resident, Diane Samuels, expressed gratitude on behalf of residents and also the St Monica Village Council.
St Monica Amerindian community is located some 35 miles from Charity and has a population of 1000.
