US donates $3.5m field hospital, ambulance to Tobago

THE US Embassy has donated a 40-bed field hospital and ambulance to the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to the tune of approximately $3.5 million.

US Ambassador Candace Bond said the donation symbolises that country’s enduring partnership with TT and also demonstrates its unwavering commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of its friends and partners in this country.

Addressing a small audience on Tuesday at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex before the handing-over ceremony, Bond said the field hospital and ambulance will enhance Tobago’s emergency response capability.

The field hospital, she added, is designed specifically to provide the flexibility and capacity to respond swiftly to crises, as well as emergency medical care to those in need.

Bond said the ambulance will serve as the bridge between life-saving medical care and those who need it.

“Whether in a natural disaster, health emergency or any unforeseen event, these resources will help save lives. And that is so important. It is going to help alleviate suffering and provide support to Tobago’s first responders,” she said.

Bond said since becoming ambassador to TT almost a year ago, she has cherished her visits to Tobago.

“It is crucial to our work at the embassy that we build these meaningful and lasting relationships with the people of this island.”

She added the embassy’s work in the country, thus far, has been extensive.

“We have collaborated on economic development, climate change, security and disaster preparedness. And this donation represents our continued commitment to supporting Tobago.”

Bond commended TEMA’s staff for ensuring Tobago is always prepared for disasters.

“You always come through. Your commitment, your expertise and dedication in times of crisis are completely admirable and we are so proud to stand with you and support your efforts.”

She also thanked the US military liaison office and her team for working alongside TEMA to strengthen its ability to respond to emergencies.

Delivering the feature address, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said the field hospital comprises four spacious units designed to serve as wards, ICU triage, initial assessment and advanced medical posts.

The units, he added, will ensure a comprehensive range of medical services during emergencies.

“This is a big investment for the people of Tobago, and we express our gratitude to you,” Augustine told Bond.

He said a training programme began on Monday and was expected to end on Wednesday.

“This is to ensure that the field hospital can be mounted in quick time (and) taken down in quick time, so that we have efficiency with its use.”

Augustine said the ambulance will significantly help in reducing TEMA’s emergency response times across Tobago.

“What this means is that TEMA’s emergency response is now even more holistic than it was before. It means that TEMA cannot just get to the area of an emergency, but can get there alongside ambulance services, which will ensure that we don’t just have speedy access to those in danger, but they get the right sort of help and transportation to either Scarborough or Roxborough hospitals or whatever medical facility may be available at the time. This will save us time.”

He recalled in early 2020 TEMA held talks with the US Southern Command Military Liaison on the donation of a field hospital and other resources to help in the response to covid19, among other emergencies.

Augustine said the request materialised a long time ago.

“Unfortunately, as it arrived in the country, Trinidad decided they will keep it for covid and only gave it to us when covid was over. Nonetheless we are happy that it is here.”

Vice Admiral Alvin Hosley, military deputy commander, US Southern Command, and TEMA director Allan Stewart also spoke.