Guardian ( Trinidad and Tobago )
25 October 2023 ( Page 3 )
US Ambassador donates 40-bed field hospital, ambulance to Tobago
ELIZABETH GONZALES - TOBAGO CORRESPONDENT
US Ambassador Candace Bond gifted the Tobago Emergency Management
Agency (TEMA) with a 40-bed field hospital and ambulance yesterday as
part of the embassy’s continued efforts to strengthen the relations
between the US and Tobago.
At a ceremony at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex Bond said this
contribution will serve as a bridge between lifesaving medical care and
those who need it. “This field hospital and ambulance will enhance Tobago’s emergency
response capabilities.
The field hospital is specifically designed to provide TEMA with the
flexibility and the capacity to respond swiftly to crises and will provide
emergency medical care to those in need.”
She said this contribution was valued at nearly US$1 million and
symbolises the embassy’s continued commitment to Tobago and support
for the safety and well-being of all partners in T&T.
“Whether in a natural disaster, health emergency or any unforeseen event
these resources will help save lives and that is so important.
It is going to alleviate and provide support to Tobago’s first responders.”
The field hospital includes four 19 by 35 units designed to serve as wards,
ICU, triage, assessment and advanced medical post.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine praised the ambassador and her team for
the donation to the island.
“This speaks to a long-standing relationship between the US and TEMA. It
is no surprise this relationship is long-standing because TEMA is the
region’s best emergency response agency. Where Tobago is geographically
located it is even more important for TEMA to be well equipped,” he said.
Photo: Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary Certica Williams
Orr, left, THA Chief administrator Denese Toby-Quashie, vice admiral
Alvin Hosley, US Ambassador Candace Bond, Military Deputy
Commander United States Southern Command David Greene, THA Chief
Secretary Farley Augustine, Deputy Chief Secretary Faith B Yisrael and
TEMA director Allan Stewart cut the ribbon at the handing over of an
ambulance and field hospital at Shaw Park, Tobago, yesterday. PICTURE
VINDRA GOPAUL-BOODAN