After persistent fundraising efforts, over a considerable period of time, the Anguilla Red Cross has been able to acquire and commission a very efficient and modern wheelchair bus from the United Kingdom.
The purpose-built vehicle, capable of transporting sixteen passengers and five wheelchairs, was commissioned on the grounds of St Mary’s Rectory on Tuesday afternoon, November 18. It was purchased at a cost of US$63.000.
Mr Ricky Rouphine, Anguilla’s Red Cross Branch Coordinator, and one of the voluntary organisation’s main fundraisers, delivered the opening address. Following that, Governor Christina Scott, Patron of the Red Cross, and Ms Rosemary Rogers, a Beneficiary, officiated at the cutting of the ribbon at the side entrance to the vehicle.
“One of our objectives was to improve and further develop a reliable and effective transport service for vulnerable persons in the communities,” Mr Rouphine said. “Our past President, the late Doreen James, was successful in lobbying the British Red Cross to support our efforts.”
He explained that the aim was to raise funds for a new bus with an automated lift system to provide transportation for senior citizens including those who are wheelchair bound. “It has been a long journey raising the funds and searching for the bus that meets our needs,” he went on. He praised the Anguillian people and business community for their care and generosity; the commitment and support of the British Red Cross as well as the Anguilla Government; and the hard work of the members and volunteers of the Anguilla Red Cross.
Mrs Sharon Lake, Community Services Programme Manager, said that hard work and perseverance had resulted in obtaining the special vehicle. She commended the British Red Cross and the stakeholders in Anguilla for their involvement and support.
Following the Vote of Thanks by Mrs Sabrina Darr-Boodram, the Red Cross Public Relations Officer, the automated lift system of the bus was demonstrated with the cooperation of Ms Rosemary Rogers, a wheelchair-bound Anguillian national.
A brochure, featuring the use of the vehicle, stated in part: “The service aims to improve your independence, to enable you to keep appointments safely and efficiently, and to provide freedom of travel for people with mobility problems. We will ask for a contribution to meet our operational costs for the service, but no one will be refused a service because they cannot pay.”
