–honours departing Tenth Brigade

THE 16-member 11th Chinese Medical Brigade, consisting of Orthopaedic specialists, Plastic and Burn Surgeons, General Surgeons, Nephrologists, Ophthalmologists, Gynaecologists and Paediatricians, among other vital medical skills, was warmly welcomed to Guyana by Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran at a reception held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) in Kingston, Georgetown on Tuesday evening.

This brigade will perform duties at the Georgetown Public Hospital and at the Linden Hospital Complex, and would be engaged in medical outreaches for two years. Members of the outgoing Tenth Chinese Medical Brigade

were present at this function, and Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran gave each an award along with a token and a book detailing the history of Guyana.

It was obviously a bitter-sweet moment for this departing brigade. Dr. Ramsaran hailed their hard working nature, and thanked each member for the sterling service they had given to the Government and People of Guyana. He said it regrettably was time to say goodbye, even as he informed them of the gratitude and appreciation of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Guyana for the work they each had done.

“I urge this new team to not only work hard in the hospital, but also practise outside of the hospital. This is a hallmark of the Chinese medical team, and every time they keep getting better. Guyana is the only country in the Latin America with a Chinese Medical Team, and I hope the eleventh team continues to make the Chinese flag fly high,” Minister Dr Ramsaran said.

“You represent a strong foundation of what South/South cooperation represents. You have brought the new perspective on China. China is making its mark in the Caribbean, your presence here is significant,” Dr. Ramsaran said.

He told the incoming medical team that the Government had constructed living quarters to better accommodate them, even as Guyana

hopes to see an increase in their numbers.

Also at the event was Director of Medical and Professional Services, Sheik Amir; Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Yuying Liu; and GPHC CEO, Michael Khan.

(By Asif Hakim)