T&T Red Cross to further strengthen community-branch links in 2007

2006 truly was the year of the communities for Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross (TTRC) and 2007 will be spent building their capacities through the three Red Cross Branches.

Looking back on the year, TTRC Director General Ms Lisa Lalsingh noted how large a role community work has come to play for the organization.

She said all major areas of activities saw an increase in community based work.

Disaster Preparedness Training and Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments in Rio Claro and La Sieva helped prepare the communities for disasters and other hazards.

The introduction of Community First Aid Educators took health awareness another step closer and people across the country - from Belle Gardens to Arima - learned basic First Aid skills to prepare them for further courses.

Meanwhile, the HIV and AIDS Programme reached more than 344,000 people through social awareness campaigns.

All of these can now be built on and strengthened in 2007, said Ms Lalsingh. “The Red Cross links with the most vulnerable communities have been established and we came a long way. In 2007 we are looking to further cement the links through the Red Cross Branches, as they are a strong feature with services, volunteers and the local knowledge necessary to address the needs.”

Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross conducts all its work through three branches: Northern Branch in Port-of-Spain, Southern Branch in San Fernando, and Tobago Branch based at Signal Hill, Tobago.

She added “A stronger volunteer force means stronger branches, which in turn will benefit the communities with better services especially in disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Both are real threats to many communities in the country.”