During the week of May 7 – 13, 2017 The Montserrat Branch of the British Red Cross joined the rest of the world as they marked World Red Cross Day on Monday, May 8, 2017.
The Montserrat Branch celebrated the week beginning with a church service at the Roman Catholic St. Patrick’s Church at Lookout. On varying days in the week, they celebrated by conducting several programs to include several Red Cross Trivia quizzes with ‘giveaways’ on ZJB Radio; an open day of Frist Aid Demonstration at the headquarters building in Brades; and a visit with elderly at the Lookout Warden Assisted homes and the Margetson and Golden Years homes.
The highlight of the week was an Awards Ceremony where members and volunteers get together celebrating the day on Monday.
Volunteer of the Year Mary Farrel
Prior to this chairman Andre West in a radio address marking World Red Cross day, paid tribute to volunteers and members of the organization, adding that many persons on the island have benefited from the selfless acts of local volunteers and members of the charity.
Volunteer of the Year James Cabey
“Let us reflect on our principles and look forward to improve the quality of life for all people particularly the more vulnerable and to be equipped to respond in times of disasters thus creating a community in Montserrat where there is harmony, respect, understanding and equality for all,” he admonished.
He added as he informed: “Around two hundred and forty million people all over the world have benefited from the free assistance and support given by the Red Cross societies,” noting, “Here in Montserrat the branch of the British Red Cross is no different bringing to life our theme so they speak of celebration,” delivering a quote which he repeated at the gathering later that evening. “Refusing to ignore people in crisis by being dynamic, inclusive, courageous and compassionate” the theme for the Day.
There was a full program at the awards, dubbed ‘Volunteer Appreciation Day’, where Director of the Branch Richard Aspin gave welcome remarks as he began performing the functions of chairman. The evening saw Mary Blake, Board Secretary, give the Reflection on the Fundamental Principle – Voluntary Service. There was a song ably performed by ‘The Red Cross trio – Bettrice, Joy and Veronica, before former Deputy and Acting Governor Sarita Francis delivered a feature address. Mrs. Franacis endorsed: “Voluntary Organizations such as yours play a vital role in empowering people to provide immediate response to communities in vulnerable situations.”
“On the other hand,” she said, “it empowers you the volunteer by exposing you to skills and lifelong learning.”
In her address Mrs. Francis spoke to the volcanic crisis and the severe hardships and reduction of the population. She lamented: “How can we forget the exodus of family under hot sheds at Little Bay awaiting a ferry which took over three hours to get to Antigua in 1997? How can we forget the role of the Montserrat Red Cross and the Antigua Red Cross in providing support for evacuees?
“Unfortunately, not much of this information is being systematically documented or accessible for persons who were not here to comprehend the level of dislocation and the support that was received.
She pointed out the non-development of a ‘Volcano Interpretive Centre’ which she said: “…would have documented and highlighted the social impacts of this upheaval on the lives of the people of Montserrat and the role that voluntary organizations such as yours played at the time.”
Speaking from her knowledge as Director of the Montserrat National Trust, she revealed: “Funds for a building were allocated under the TDP2 and a site was identified next to the Museum for this centre.” 
On that theme the MNT Director said she was constantly reminded of a quote by the Caribbean Luminary, the late Rex Nettleford which states, “If you do not find time to document your own history, it is likely to be forgotten, or, worse still, misrepresented.”
The distribution of various certificates for various training and workshops; and awards followed, the highlight of which was the award to Volunteer of the Year, bestowed on Mary Farrell and James Cabey.
A vote of thanks culminated that part of the evenings appreciable proceedings delivered by longtime and veteran member of the Red Cross branch, Bennette Roach deputising at the last minute.
The rest of the Volunteer Day celebration of World Red Cross Day with a treat to refreshments, buffet-style and party time with games and karaoke.
