U.S. Southern Command donates two mobile clinics to T&T

The United States Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program, through the U.S. Embassy Port of Spain, has donated two mobile medical units known as “Clinics in a Can” and valued at US$490,534 to the people of Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Health. 

At the donation ceremony at the Port of Spain General Hospital, which took place on September 18, U.S. Ambassador H.E. Candace Bond noted that the mobile clinics can provide many medical services.

“The units are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technology, such as digital x-ray machines and trauma room equipment. Their design incorporates solar panels, which makes them energy efficient,” Ambassador Bond said. 

“They are designed to offer a wide range of medical services, from basic care to more advanced medical treatments and procedures. These mobile medical units will significantly bolster the hospital’s capacity to support the emergency department’s response to public health emergencies and provide routine care,” the US Ambassador pointed out.

She added: “This is another example of how the United States of America supports Trinidad and Tobago’s public health and health delivery as Trinidad and Tobago’s good neighbour and best friend and partner in the world.”

SOUTHCOM’s Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, Major General Javier Reina said the mobile units are the third pair of clinics to be donated to a country in the Western Hemisphere and Latin America. The first and second set of clinics were given to Ecuador and Honduras. 

L to R – Consultant Head of Department of the Accident and Emergency Port of Spain General Hospital, Dr Jason Ettienne; Senior Defense Official U.S. Embassy Port of Spain, Commander Richard Reyes; U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, Major General Javier Reina; Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh; United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Candace Bond; and CEO of the Northwest Regional Health Authority, Major (Ret.) Anthony Blake. [Image courtesy U.S. Embassy Port of Spain]

He also pointed to the strong partnership between SOUTHCOM and the T&T Government.

“SOUTHCOM has partnered with the government of Trinidad and Tobago to plan and execute several humanitarian assistance projects focusing on disaster preparedness, and disaster risk reduction, health, and education,” he said.

Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh expressed profound appreciation to the U.S. Embassy and SOUTHCOM for the generous contribution. 

“I extend my sincere thanks to Ambassador Candace Bond and the U.S. Southern Command for this invaluable donation,” he said, “which will significantly bolster our capacity to deliver timely, high-quality healthcare, particularly during emergencies.”

The Health Minister stated: “The inclusion of these state-of-the-art units represents a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize the public health infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago.”