Japanese Ambassador Masanori Nakano presented 6 new ambulances to St John Ambulance of Jamaica during a ceremony held at King’s House on Wednesday 20 January.
Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen who attended the ceremony said, the gift would compliment St John Jamaica’s existing fleet and strengthen its ability to respond and assist Jamaicans in a timely manner.
This donation of ambulances is an immense boost on the occasion of the Order’s 116th year of service to Jamaica, he said.
Given our nation’s incidences of crime and accident rates, as well as our vulnerability to hurricanes and earthquakes, these ambulances will facilitate St John track record of being able to effectively render much needed assistance, especially in emergency situations.
He applauded St John Ambulance in Jamaica for the wide impact of the work of its core of volunteers and cadets in many areas of the country and described them as persons who have “committed themselves to saving lives, minimizing pain and promoting humanitarian and charitable ventures intended to relieve distress, suffering, sickness and danger.”
Noting that Japan and Jamaica have enjoyed good bilateral relations since 1964, Sir Patrick Allen said the fleet of ambulances was another signal of the strengthening of those ties.
(from second left) Japanese Ambassador Masanori Nakano, Chairman of St John Jamaica Mr Earl Jarrett, and Executive Ms Director Alison Christie Binger
