The Montserrat Red Cross (MRC) is an overseas branch of the British Red Cross. It is a non–governmental organization committed to serving the local community in times of disaster, hardship and need.
It has as its Vision, “to create a community in Montserrat where there is harmony, respect, understanding and equality for all.”
The Branch mission… “It is the goal of the Montserrat Red Cross (MRC) to improve the quality of life for all people, particularly the more vulnerable and to be equipped to respond in times of disaster.”
This year the local branch obsereved International Red Cross Week with their own week of activities beginning from May 1 – 8, 2011. The activities included among other things, media programmes, Highlights of the Movement and “What is happening”, an appeal for members/volunteers by former director/president Mrs Lystra Osborne. 
On Wednesday and Thursday respectively, Mr Andre West conducted Everyday First Aid sessions at the Lookout Warden-assisted homes and First Aid for Primary school children. On Friday, West conducted a session of First Aid for mentally challenged in Sweeney’s.
On Friday the branch member Mrs Gwennett Reece and First Aiders joined the Ministry of Youth Affairs and conducted a Career Awareness Day at the Cultural Centre.
One highlight of the took place on Saturday, also at the Cultural which featured a graduation of Peer Educators & First Aiders and a Recognition Ceremony of outstanding volunteers.
Chairman of Red Cross Ann Thomas
In her brief opening remarks chairman of the organisation Ann Thomas said: “There is no one right way to manage volunteers; What is important however, is that the organisation and the volunteer both understand and appreciate the expectations each has of the other,” adding, “Volunteers are motivated to join the Red Cross for many reasons, but the Red Cross has volunteers for one reason – because it needs human resources: to deliver its programmes and services, to fundraise, to respond to disasters, to advocate on behalf of vulnerable people and to promote humanitarian principles and values.”
Mrs. Thomas also noted that it is also important to note that volunteers should never be considered a free or cheap resource;
Andre West, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, serves as the Redcross Training coordinator, and has the mandate to coordinate the training. At the ceremony he gave an outline of the training and how it is conducted.
Mr. Andre West Deputy Chief Fire Officer
He named the top three participants for outstanding performances from each group; Mark Rogers, Clinton Lewis and Leslie Ogle and Merlyn Mathew (in a tie). West concluded: “I cannot over emphasize the importance of First Aid training in the work place. It is imperative that employers, Heads of Department and staff take the initiative to be prepared and respond to emergency situations,” as he encouraged everyone to become of aware of the need for training in First Aid knowledge.
The week of activities culminated on Sunday, May 8 (also Mother’s Day) as the First Aiders and some Red Cross members attended a Church service at Salem, St Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church, followed by a cake sale; and later they delivered Gift baskets to the mentally challenged on the island.
