Dominica Red Cross to get new ambulance

The age old ambulance that has been serving the Dominica Red Cross Society for a number of years will be replaced in March 2014, by a heavy duty, all terrain vehicle courtesy of the Japanese government.

This is because of grant funding to the tune of US$65,541 for the procurement of a new ambulance from the Grass Roots Human Security Project (GGP), a Japanese government development assistant program.

The contract for the grant was signed at a ceremony at the Dominica Red Cross Office on Wednesday.

Director General of the society, Kathleen Pinard-Byrne, said the new ambulance will enhance the service provided by the Red Cross.

“The replacement of our ageing ambulance by a heavy duty, four-wheel drive, fully outfitted ambulance capable of traversing the roughest terrain will enhance the services which we provide for the public,” she said. “Our aspirations to procure such ambulance vehicle and equipment with our only sources were generally the unachievable, but will now be made possible through the good will and generous support of the people and Government of Japan through this grass roots project.”

Deputy Head of Mission of the Japanese embassy based in Trinidad, Hirofumi Murabayashi, said that the funds will also be used for the purchasing of equipment for the ambulance.

“These funds will be used for purchasing and basic equipping of one ambulance and to cover the cost of transporting to Dominica,” he explained. “The objective is to improve the first aid services of the Dominica Red Cross Society, which is especially important as they provide response services in national disasters. ”

Hirofumi noted that the GGP was “designed to promote human security in the world, by assisting nonprofit organizations.”

He stated that  the gesture will strengthen the already existing relationship between Dominica and Japan.