Over the last year the Anguilla Red Cross (ARC) has been through significant changes. In the aftermath of Irma, like many other organisations, the Red Cross had to respond in a way that it had never done before. It was a huge learning exercise and, in collaboration with the Government of Anguilla and assistance from the British Red Cross and the UK Department of International Development, the lessons learnt are being used to strengthen the ARC. The Cash Programme, which helped more than 600 households to recover after the damage they suffered, has already earned its commendation from the British Red Cross.
The Office staff has increased from two to five with the appointment of a Finance Manager (Mervette Bryan), Disaster Management Assistant (Jannie Gumbs) and Transport Officer (Joan Johnson), while Trevor Queeley and Annette Richardson continue their sterling work as Disaster Management Manager and Administration/Finance Assistant respectively. The posts for a Logistician and Finance Assistant are vacant at the present time. In July, following the retirement of some of the dedicated and long serving Board members, a new Board was elected: Andre Collins (Chairman), Michael Bourne (Vice Chair), Calla Gumbs (Secretary), Estelle Slade (Treasurer) and Israel Benjamin (Trustee). And then, most recently, in August the ARC welcomed Marius Musca as the new Director. Marius has a medical background and significant experience in disaster relief in over 40 countries on all continents.
Currently, the ARC is concentrating on disaster preparedness and contingency planning, including community awareness and education on preparing for and responding to an emergency. However, its ‘business as usual’ work is also now in full swing:
First Aid programme which offers first aid training to individuals and organisations, as well as First Aid services for a variety of events (e.g. sports days and carnival).
Water Safety programme to teach children and adults to swim and basic rescue techniques.
Medical equipment hire (crutches and walkers) for those in need.
Health Fair initiatives (e.g. blood pressure and sugar checks) in collaboration with students from St James Medical School.
The Thrift Shop which is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm – and has a huge stock of clothing, shoes, books etc at very reasonable prices.
Of course, VOLUNTEERS are the foundation on which the ARC is built and if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer do make contact to hear more about the range of activities, training and the rest. Volunteering can truly be a rewarding experience. Also, for young people, there is an active Youth Group which organises various fun and educational initiatives and, again, newcomers are welcome.
For more information about the ARC and its activities; to make a donation; and/or to become a volunteer, do check out its website www.redcross.ai or visit its Office in The Quarter.
Dr Dina Foy (Patron of the ARC)
