THE Guyana Aid Region One Inc. (GARO) gave back to Mabaruma and other surrounding communities on Tuesday, by hosting its biennial health fair. Over 200 persons received medical assistance from the group of volunteers who had previously resided in the region before migrating.President and founder of GARO, Kaeron Jones, said the group is a New York-based not-for-profit organisation formed in June 2006, mainly to assist residents of Region One communities.

At the Kumaka Resort in Mabaruma, residents were able to have their blood sugar, and blood pressure tested, as well as dental examination and vision screening. Also, basic health education awareness services were provided to children and adults. Serious cases diagnosed were referred to the regional hospital for further medical attention.
Jones said his team will be looking at ways to reduce those residents’ high blood pressure level to normalcy in pursuit of making them healthier.
Regional Health Officer (RHO), Cerdel McWatt, attended the fair along with Regional Executive Officer, Leslie Wilburg.
Persons received treated bed nets, shampoo, toothpaste, hand sanitiser and other useful items to complete a ‘care package,’ which brought smiles to most of the beneficiaries’ faces.
Members of the volunteer team comprised 10 nurses and three doctors, one of whom is attached to the Ministry of Public Health in Georgetown. The team’s members expressed their joy in giving back to the region.
“I love what I do, so that is why I am on board with this team, rendering my services,” one of the doctors told the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Later in the evening, following the health fair, a dinner of appreciation was hosted by the regional chairman in honour of the volunteers, who pledged their support to making Region One a more “recognisable” region.
As a token of appreciation, a plaque was presented to the president of the group, saluting the members’ hard work and dedication to developing the region.
“Not only do they have these health fairs in Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge and here in Mabaruma, but they also contribute books to school libraries, give monetary rewards to National Grade Six Assessment and Caribbean Secondary examination top performers in the region among other commendable acts,” Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley stated.
GARO also contributed clinical supplies for the Mabaruma hospital; the supplies were received by the RHO. [GINA]