Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, right, with US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, left, on board the USNS Comfort
By Sue-Ann Wayow
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is grateful to the United States for the medical support it is providing to Trinidad and Tobago through its mercy class hospital ship – the USNS Comfort.
She, along with several members of her Cabinet and US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, on Thursday visited the ship which is docked at the Cruise Ship Complex, Port of Spain.
The USNS Comfort arrived in Trinidad on August 5 as the last stop on her Continuing Promise 2025 humanitarian mission.
Speaking to the media on her tour, Persad-Bissessar thanked the US Embassy and the ship’s team.
“When I saw this ship, it is so huge, it is never-ending. I am so glad that the people of our country would benefit from your generosity and kindness here,” she told Command Senior Chief, Pete Ming.
On Thursday, 12 people were scheduled for surgeries on the ship.
Ming expressed thanks to Persad-Bissessar and Minister of Health, Dr Lackram Bodoe, and the US Embassy for the cooperation and partnership that allowed the ship the opportunity to dock.
“It is unprecedented. It is outstanding and we are so thrilled to be here in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.
He thanked everyone present, especially Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar.
“The mission would not happen without the prime minister’s support. Her showing up is a demonstration to her support of the healthcare of the country and the partnership that the US and the US Navy have with her nation,” Ming added.
The Prime Minister received a red-carpet welcome and salute from the US Navy upon her arrival at the ship. Despite the pouring rain, she also took time to greet supporters who were excited to meet her.
Apart from surgeries being conducted on board, the ship’s medical personnel will also be carrying out free services at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) from August 7 to 9, between 8 am to 4 pm on a first come first serve basis.
