JG - The whole nine yards - Jamaican aid workers vow to go all the way

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

The whole nine yards - Jamaican aid workers vow to go all the way


Published: Sunday January 24, 2010


Daraine Luton (from Haiti)


ONE WEEK after arriving in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, Jamaican aid workers have vowed to go the full nine yards to help in the rebuilding of that country.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Major Jaimie Stuart Ogilvie, who is heading the contingent of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) personnel on the ground in Haiti, told The Sunday Gleaner that they were examining the structure of their delegation to "make sure that we have the right persons here for the long haul to continue the relief as long as we can".

The JDF has been at the centre of Jamaican involvement in the restoration of Haiti following the 7.0 magnitude quake. The Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Ministry of Health and the Jamaica Medical Doctor's Association have also been key contributors to the relief effort."

"The Jamaica Fire Brigade, which participated in search-and-rescue operations, helped in the recovery of seven persons buried under rubble.

Up to yesterday, the Jamaican contingent was delivering relief supplies to some of the hardest-hit areas while continuing to provide security and medical assistance.

The medical team has, even with limited resources, been leaving its mark on Haitian soil with its presence being welcome medicine for an ailing nation."

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"The Jamaican medical team comprising orthopaedic surgeons, general surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, emergency medical technicians and public-health workers, now operates two of eight hospitals in Port-au-Prince. The JDF also runs a clinic that offers medical treatment."

"(W)hile the Jamaican team carries on its tour of duties, it is being hamstrung by the absence of its own vehicle fleet and a shortage of fuel in the country. Language difference is a hurdle, but there is an abundance of goodwill from volunteers eager to ensure their countrymen get aid."

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daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com