The Barbados Defence Force’s Field Medical Team (BDF FMT) has received a donation of $383,000 in tent and shelter equipment from the Massy Foundation (Barbados) Inc.
Medical Liaison with the BDF, Major David Clarke, at a presentation at the National Stadium, yesterday, thanked the organisation for their continued support since 2019, and noted that it would go a long way in building out the facility and providing assistance during a disaster.
Major Clarke said: “This donation will go a long way in assisting us to build out our Type 2 facility as we continue working towards achieving our accreditation as an emergency medical team.”
Chairman of the Massy Foundation, Frere Delmas, noted that they were proud to have worked with the BDF since 2019 through various initiatives.
“Our combined funding of over $893, 000 is therefore a clear demonstration of our confidence. This partnership with the Barbados Defence Force matters to us as it supports our core values of responsibility, collaboration, growth and continuous development, love and care for our nation and our fellowmen…,” he said.
Since 2019, the Foundation has assisted with the purchase of equipment for the FMT, including water purifiers; the renovation and expansion of its storage facility and training room at the Newton Industrial Park in Christ Church; the coordination of the national COVID-19 Immunisation Programme with a donation of 27 laptops which have since been reallocated to the medical team for the hospital; and yesterday’s donation.
“We take this opportunity to thank the BDF team for its continuing commitment to serve, defend and secure our island, and to lend emergency assistance beyond our borders,” Mr. Delmas stated.
When the accreditation is achieved, the BDF will have one of only 40 globally classified Emergency Medical Teams, and with the achievement of the Type 2 accreditation, it would become one of only 14 Type 2 EMTs in the world.