Good morning. It is indeed an honour to be here with you this morning for what is a tangible demonstration of continued friendship and collaboration between the United States and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I express our sincere appreciation to the United States Embassy, the U.S. Military Liaison Office and U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Programme, for this generous donation of medical equipment, specifically, 13 hospital gurneys and a range of essential items for use at the Port of Spain General Hospital and the San Fernando General Hospital.
These resources are not just tools, they are instruments of care, comfort and healing. Each gurney will support healthcare professionals as they respond quickly and compassionately to patient needs. Every surgical drape, forceps set and sharps container plays a part in ensuring safe, sterile and efficient procedures. These seemingly small items collectively contribute to the quality of care delivered in our public health facilities every single day.
This donation is a direct result of discussions held during the Continuing Promise exercise. It represents not only the responsiveness of our partners to the expressed needs of our hospitals but also the spirit of cooperation that defines our bilateral relationship.
We are especially pleased that this initiative supports two of our major tertiary institutions, Port of Spain General Hospital and San Fernando General Hospital, both of which serve large and diverse populations. With increasing demands on our public health system, these resources will go a long way in boosting our operational capacity and improving patient outcomes.
I want to take a moment to recognise the efforts of everyone involved in making today possible, Commander Richard Reyes and his team, Captain Tywan Brooks and our own technical and administrative staff at the Ministry of Health. Your dedication behind the scenes is truly appreciated.
Today’s handover reaffirms that healthcare is a shared responsibility that transcends borders. We thank the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) for standing with us in our ongoing efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and improve service delivery to all citizens.
May we always work together in the spirit of service and humanity.
I Thank you.