Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is welcoming the healthcare that the USNS Comfort is providing to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Prime Minister visited the USNS Comfort on Thursday to meet the crew of the naval vessel.
The hospital ship has 800 Navy medical professionals who will provide surgical and other medical procedures to the people of Trinidad and Tobago from August 7th to 9th.
“Yes, we have our own challenges here, but I think people are just overwhelmed, and they will come out. Recently we had Hands International here as well. We will continue with these health initiatives. Our system, as you know, I’ve inherited a system that needs a lot of help, has many challenges. And I really welcome this effort from the United States, the government and the people of the United States. Of course, sir, I hope you will come back at another time, as so many people are seeking your services.”
Captain of the vessel, Ryan Kendall, welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit to the ship as a demonstration of her support for the healthcare of the country.
“My gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health and the US Embassy because the coordination and the cooperation, the partnership that we have here today, and therefore the remainder of this week while we’re here is unprecedented. It’s been outstanding, and we are so thrilled to be here in Trinidad and Tobago. So thank you very much to everyone here.”
Minister of Health, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, also visited the free clinics at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) and was pleased with the process there.
“Over 100 people would have been screened and of course, those who are suitable would have received surgery, as indicated. There are 12 persons receiving surgery in the area of general surgery, eye surgery, some paediatric surgery and some plastic surgery. At NAPA, I had the privilege and pleasure to visit this morning, and the operations are going extremely smooth. The patients who were selected, it’s a first come, first served, and so there is a tremendous amount of services being offered there as well.”
Trinidad and Tobago is the USNS Comfort’s final stop in the region. The ship also visited Grenada, Panama, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.