Minister Charles Griffith holds Partnership Talks with Ross University School of Medicine

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment explored a framework for cooperation in several areas with Ross University School of Medicine.

The almost hour and a half of talks held on Friday, November 8th, between a Ministry delegation, led by the Honourable Charles Griffith, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Dr. Rhonda Mc Intyre, Senior Associate Dean of Ross University School of Medicine, External Affairs and Dr Carlene Radix, Assistant Dean of Community Medicine and Global Health at Ross University, included a range of individual, group and community health care initiatives.

The discussions, which were held at the Ministry’s Haggatt Hall, St. Michael offices, were initiated by Minister Griffith’s interest in supporting sportspersons who may face challenges that require first-response medical interventions while at games. He contended “that most of the over seventy national sporting federations in Barbados have very few personnel to cover medical injuries that may arise and it’s high time that this issue be addressed.”

The discussions expanded into the various engagements of the sections within the Ministry where attention was also needed. Some of the opportunities for consideration shared by the Ross team included a Heart Savers Programme, a Basic Life Support Programme, Community Medical Interventions, the use of Automated External Defibrillators, training for sportspersons and coaches, and educational programmes including NCDs, parental awareness, and cancer awareness for men and women.

Stating that “she was excited with the initiative, which can be incorporated into a formal agreement between the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and Ross University”, Dr. Mc Intyre added that the overall framework agreement, with all the various components, would guide the process.

Minister Griffith said “he had learnt a lot from the talks and is looking forward to ensuring the initiatives set out under the agreement are supported and implemented”. In acknowledging the Minister’s commitment and enthusiasm, Dr. Mc Intyre noted that the two sides can work towards a “Letter of Agreement” that could effect an agreed timeframe to execute the programmes.

Before today’s talks, Ross University School of Medicine and the Ministry held two rounds of deliberations which explored the co-operative framework.

The Ministry of Youth Sports and Community Empowerment’s delegation led by Minister Griffith also included Mrs. Joy Adamson, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Cleviston Hunte, Director of Youth Affairs, Mr. Neil Murrell, Director of Sports at the National Sports Council, Mrs. Yolande Skeete, Chief Community Development Officer (Ag), Ms. Kay Hinds Deputy Chief Community Development Officer (Ag), Mrs. Andrea Titus, Principal Youth Development Officer (Ag) and Mrs. Wanda Reid-Beckles, Public Relations/Liaison Officer.