The frontline workers in Dominica are still being recognized for their continued efforts against the covid 19 pandemic and protective services.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment hosted a special recognition ceremony in honour of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force and Dominica Fire Services on Friday, June 17 at the Fort Young Hotel.
This ceremony comes not long after a general recognition awards for persons and departments who have contributed to the management of the pandemic, as the Ministry saw it fitting to express special gratitude to these police and fire officers for their outstanding contribution.
Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre says the efforts of these officers cannot go unnoticed. He went on to express his gratitude for their commitment.
“I have no doubt that our successful management of the covid-19 pandemic was to a large extent related to the shared passion and camaraderie that both health and non-health workers had in common. These challenges also gave us the opportunity to learn new approaches dealing with health emergencies. But most of all, it underlined the fact that with a collective sense of public concern and working together great results can be achieved. I am fully aware of the sacrifices that you all made and are still doing so as we continue to battle this covid-19 pandemic. History will record your immense contribution to the fight against covid-19 and the Government and people of Dominica will forever be grateful for your unwavering diligence in carrying out your duties,” Dr. McIntyre stated.
The Ministry of Health focuses on one of the major pillars of health transformation, which is health preparedness and response.
“This pandemic has allowed us to build capacity and t be better prepared for the future if need be. As a Government, may we continue our health preparedness activities with the view of attaining sustainable resilience in health. In this regard we have embarked on many programmes together with regional and international health organizations in achieving this goal. It has been a comprehensive fight against the covid-19 pandemic and it has been very interesting having to work with different non health departments to achieve this common goal,” the Minister of Health noted.
Dr. McIntyre is grateful for the learning experiences he has gained from working collaboratively with persons beyond the health team.
“But in this particular fight it involve everyone, whether it’s the police, the fire and ambulance, DASPA, whether its immigration and to me that was one of he most interesting parts about it, that we would all come together. I learnt quit a bit about how the police handles things, how the fire and ambulance handles things which I wasn’t aware off. And I think it was interesting that we could all come together to achieve this level of success and we have learnt quite a bit. And that makes us even more prepared for the future. That has helped us build capacity. So I am very optimistic when I see the diligence and the services, and the energy and the passion that was put into it. It’s a health emergency nonetheless, but when I saw the non-health workers with us on the front line that was very comforting,” Dr. McIntyre added.
Awards were presented to the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Service, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, the Brigade Headquarters and out-stations, the various police districts, and individual awards to officers of these departments.
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