Message from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the occasion of World Red Cross Day - 8 May 2011
"On Sunday 8th May, the international community stands together to recognize World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, in support of the invaluable contribution made by Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to local communities, through their on-going initiatives which reach vulnerable persons every day and their large scale mobilization efforts during times of national and international disasters.
"In Trinidad and Tobago, we too, benefit from the long-serving commitment of our local Red Cross Society which, over the past 70 years, has provided relief and solace to victims of disasters while also promoting humanitarian principles and values.
"On the occasion of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, it is with great pride that, on behalf of the Government and citizens of this country, I congratulate the staff and volunteers of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society for your input in building social capital and improving the quality of life for many of our most vulnerable citizens.
"The Government fully supports your activities in the areas of disaster preparedness, risk reduction, response and recovery; health, first aid and community welfare and HIV/AIDS prevention and education.
"As any responsible Government, we recognize that is through partnerships with civil society and other stakeholders that we may drive the social development of our Nation.
"How fitting it is that in 2011, ‘Volunteerism’ has been chosen of the theme of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.
"As you encourage each one of us to ‘Find the Volunteer inside you’, we all need to understand and remember that volunteering is at the heart of community-building and fosters good citizenship. Through volunteerism we have the opportunity to learn the responsibilities of community and civic involvement.
"Internationally the Red Cross/Red Crescent volunteer workforce numbers 13.1 million persons, with volunteers contributing 6 billion US dollars worth of services worldwide in 2010.
"In the Caribbean there are seventy two thousand (72, 000) volunteers who contribute over 19 million US dollars worth of services.
"Right here in Trinidad and Tobago, we have over one thousand (1000) volunteers ready to respond in times of disaster, emergencies and family misfortune to whom this nation owes a debt of gratitude.
"I am also heartened to learn that the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society has within its membership over 5000 youth members, which include youth links in primary schools and cadets in the secondary schools, drawn from all eight Education Districts of the Ministry of Education.
"I encourage you to continue training our young citizens and instill in them the value of selfless service, without the expectation of material or financial gain and give to them a window to an opportunity for great personal development and satisfaction, selfless action and nation building.
"It is stated that voluntary service is one of the fundamental principles that bind together the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
"So, too, as nationals of a young, thriving Nation, let us embrace the principle of volunteerism to promote social inclusion, create safer communities and foster peace in our Nation.
"Our civil society organisations need your help to do their work in the community.
"To you, the staff and volunteers of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society, I thank you for dedicating yourselves to relieving the suffering of many of our citizens for almost 75 years.
"The value of your knowledge and long-term commitment are indeed irreplaceable and incalculable.
"Once again, I thank you and my Government looks forward to further collaborations with the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Movement.
No comments:
Post a Comment