Barbados Red Cross starts planning for construction of new headquarters

The Barbados Red Cross has formulated plans to build a headquarters building to replace its previous office at Jemmotts Lane, St Michael, which was destroyed by fire in 1999.

Architectural designs and cost estimates have been completed, an appropriate site secured and financing for the building is being sought.

Dr Raymond Forde, president, Barbados Red Cross and vice-president, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the Red Cross looks forward excitedly to a new era of expanded services and programmes for the Barbados community and support to the regional and international work of the Red Cross globally.

Since the fire in 1999, the Red Cross’ operations have been dislocated, making it difficult for a smooth flow of operations. It has had to run its daily operations from a small space which was kindly provided by the Technical Division of the Ministry of Health.

From the physical viewpoint, the Red Cross is in need of a new headquarters building to better facilitate the operation of its numerous programmes. However, in order to achieve this objective it is necessary to have both the physical and resources infrastructure.

Government has already leased a half acre of land, adjacent and aback of the Warrens Polyclinic on which the Red Cross can erect its new building.

However, the funds for such a building are yet to be obtained and the Red Cross is currently approaching the private sector, government and wider Barbadian community to help with donations.

SRM Architects have designed a building and the Red Cross has put in place a special new headquarters fundraising committee to assist with this project.

Additionally every commercial bank in Barbados has offered to assist by setting up a “Red Cross New Headquarters Fund Account” to which donations can be made. For those desirous of having their contributions made public this will be arranged, while persons making sizeable donations, may consider sponsoring particular sections within the building structure that will accommodate particular programmes.