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Governor General of Jamaica
Message from the
I congratulate the leadership, staff, members and volunteers of the Jamaica Red Cross on the occasion of your Biennial General Assembly. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with many challenges, I am heartened that, thanks to technology, you are able to stage this very important meeting virtually. These are unprecedented times and I am fully aware of the strain on the resources of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). I am also aware of the indefatigable work the organization has been doing across Jamaica to help stabilize families, through the provision of food supplies, sanitization packages, grant funding and personal protective equipment. Of note too is the support the Jamaica Red Cross continues to provide to the public sector in augmenting the availability of emergency response teams, psycho-social care and disaster awareness training. I take this opportunity to commend the over 350 Jamaica Red Cross volunteers, members and staff across the island for being on the frontline to assist over 339 communities, 9,500 families and 18,000 individuals with humanitarian supplies since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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I am also buoyed by the interest the Jamaica Red Cross continues to take in increasing the membership of the organization and inspiring involvement among young people. The ideals of the Jamaica Red Cross are embodied in the service-oriented Governor-General’s I Believe Initiative and is yet another reason I am proud to be Patron of the organization, which demonstrates daily the fact that you are “using what is right with Jamaica to fix what’s wrong with Jamaica.” As you gather to reflect on the past two years, elect new leaders and chart the path for the future of the Jamaica Red Cross, I encourage you to ‘never get weary in well doing’. Continue to be committed to your Mission -“To improve the lives of vulnerable people by developing capacity, mobilizing critical resources and promoting humanitarian activities.” Best wishes for a productive meeting.
His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD. KSt.J
