Caribbean Medical Missions team saluted as ‘selfless servants’

WASHINGTON, DC:

Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia Christopher Chaplin has lauded the members of the Caribbean Medical Missions (CMM) for over 20 years of service to the Caribbean, calling their efforts “selfless work” by a “remarkable group”.

He addressed a gathering of more than 200 healthcare professionals, community leaders, and dedicated supporters at CMM’s 21st annual black tie gala at the Grand Ballroom in Totowa, New Jersey, on Saturday, November 2.

The gala was the backdrop for honours bestowed upon three persons, who were recognised for humanitarian and community service: Dr. Kendell Sprott, Dr. Kamal Khan, and Mr. Jefferson Sarge.

“Your selfless dedication to providing healthcare services to those in need across the Caribbean is truly inspiring,” Chaplin said.

Indeed, the numbers speak for themselves – over the past 28 years, CMM has touched the lives of more than 25,000 patients in Jamaica alone, providing care valued at a staggering US$1.7 million.

But the Mission’s outreach extends far beyond the island, with an additional 23,000 patients seen in other Caribbean countries, amounting to a further US$1.3 million in care.

Chaplin also had special praise for the organisation’s growth, as he detailed how CMM’s missions now span Ghana and Central and South America, including Belize and Guyana.

“I am especially delighted with your mission to Dominica, my wife Margaret’s place of birth,” he added, underscoring the profound impact the group has had across the region.

The group’s commitment to delivering quality care, often in challenging environments, he noted is a testament to their professionalism and character. “You have demonstrated that healthcare is not just a profession, but a calling to serve humanity,” Chaplin insisted, his words resonating with the audience.

He challenged the CMM team to amplify their story. He encouraged the group to “record your story and tell it every chance you get”. Further, he urged the Mission members to leverage their expertise and experience to influence policy. “I have encouraged several of the strong diaspora organisations to write White Papers on policy matters in the Caribbean,” he explained. “As important as your work is, policy has a far-reaching effect, especially in the areas of healthcare, education, and security.”

The Jamaican official further issued a call to action, urging the CMM team to strengthen its impact beyond the confines of the medical missions.

With their passion for Jamaica and the knowledge gained from its work in the United States, Canada, and beyond, Chaplin believed the group was uniquely positioned to shape policies that could transform the lives of countless individuals across the Caribbean.

For her part, the CMM president, Dr Donna Hutton-Cassie, paid tribute to the medical volunteers and members of CMM and underscored the great strides the organisation had made over the past 28 years.

She said the CMM has stayed true to its mission by providing quality healthcare to United States, Caribbean and African nationals and announced that next year, the health mission will be going to Jamaica.

As the evening drew to a close, the consul took a moment to congratulate Ambassador Audrey Marks on her recent award of the Order of Jamaica, recognising her own remarkable contributions to diplomacy and leadership. “She has served as a wonderful and powerful example of diplomacy, and it is my pleasure to serve her,” Chaplin remarked.