Guyana Red Cross

2015 and 2016

At a Glance

• 1948 - Branch of the British Red Cross

• Act No. 25 of 1967, became a National Society

• 1968 - recognized by ICRC

• 1968 - admitted to the IFRC

• 1948 present location of HQ in Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana

• On December 24th,1996 - HQ burnt to the ground

• On September 28th, 2002 new HQ opened

•

• 1948 - Plans for Convalescent Home

• 1951 - Princess Elizabeth Home opened in Kingston

• 1969 – Friends of the Convalescent Home

• 1979 – Turning of the sod for the new Children’s Convalescent

Home (CCH)

• 1980 June 07 – new CCH opened in D’Urban Backlands

•

Guyana RC Branches/Units

Georgetown Lethem Mabaruma

Berbice Port Kaituma Moruca

Bartica

2015 International and Regional Meetings

Inter-American Conference March 2015 held in Houston, Texas

Secretary General, Dorothy Fraser and RCY Representative, Odesse Dover at the Int’l Conference,

Geneva. December 2015

Resilience in the Community

The Resilience in the America’s (RITA) Project

This project embodied the characteristics of building safe and resilient communities. Following a

process of participatory assessment, detailed analysis and action planning with communities, the

Guyana Red Cross (GRC) in partnership with the American Red Cross (ARC) implemented a

programme in Regions One and Seven, responding to and addressing the specific needs as

prioritized by each community within its mandate and scope. The project employed an integrated

approach to address priorities identified

by the communities primarily in the

areas of health, risk reduction, and water

and sanitation over a period of four years

FY13 to FY17.

Goal

The overall goal of the project “Building

Community Resilience” was aligned to

the two broad RITA objectives, which

were: To increase the program

management and service delivery

capacity of core NS staff; and to create

opportunities for vulnerable

communities (urban neighbourhoods,

rural settlements and non-geographic

communities, e.g. MSM) to build

resilience over the life of the project.

Along these lines the GRC programme focused on four Focus/Priority Areas (Health, Water and

Sanitation, Youth Development, and NS Capacity Development), which provided the basis for

the Resilience Framework that served as the operational model for accomplishing the overall

goal.

*The final report should be included in the 2017 Annual Report

Box I: The characteristics of a safe and resilient community

A safe and resilient community...

✓ …is knowledgeable and healthy. It has the ability to assess, manage and monitor its risks. It can learn new skills and build on past experiences

✓ …is organised. It has the capacity to identify problems, establish priorities and act.

✓ …is connected. It has relationships with external actors who provide a wider supportive environment, and supply goods and services when needed.

✓ …has infrastructure and services. It has strong housing, transport, power, water and sanitation systems. It has the ability to maintain, repair and renovate them.

✓ …has economic opportunities. It has a diverse range of employment opportunities, income and financial services. It is flexible, resourceful and has the capacity to accept uncertainty and respond (proactively) to change.

✓ …can manage its natural assets. It recognizes their value and has the ability to protect, enhance and maintain them.

Consultation with Seniors on Disaster Planning and Preparedness

On February 26, 2015, a National Consultation on the Impact of the occurrence of a disaster or

crises as it relates to Senior Citizens was coordinated by the Guyana Red Cross Society and

supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The

key consultative process offered space to discuss key messages and advocacy efforts that served

as inputs at the next Inter-American Framework for Action (2017-2021) which was discussed at

the March 2015 Inter Americas Conference1 and the regional consultation process for the

upcoming World Humanitarian Summit.2

The day of the consultation was one of very heavy rainfall which made participants very

cognisant of the issues confronting them in times of crises and disaster.

The participants were welcomed by Dorothy Fraser, Secretary General of the Guyana Red Cross,

followed by the Chairman (actg.) Mr. Teni Housty.

Ms. Jill DeBourg, of the CRRO, Port of Spain presented a general overview of the consultations,

while Mr. Mark Harper, Member of the National Commission on Elderly, spoke on the

timeliness of the consultation, and his desire for more support to Senior Citizens.

Mr. Devaughn Lewis reminded participants that in the deliberations, there was a need to adhere

to the 7 Fundamental Principles, especially to employ the principle of neutrality in the

comments.

Facilitators were from the University of Guyana, and both were lecturers in the Sociology

Department.

Conclusion –

Participants spoke mainly of socio-economic and environmental aspects affecting them

continuously with these being increased concern during disasters and crises.

Violence in all forms and especially against older women is a growing concern.

Seniors and persons with limited mobility need policies and guidelines.

Disaster Plans need to be developed with and for Senior Citizens.

KEY MESSAGES:

1 The Inter Americas Conference, taking place from 27 to 31 March, occurs every 4 years and is opportunity for Red Cross National Societies in the Americas Zone to review their input and come up with common advocacy points on vulnerability and risks based on the voices of the people from different community sectors who will be consulted at National level.

2 The World Humanitarian Summit will be convened in Istanbul, Turkey in May 2016 with the aim to build a more inclusive and diverse humanitarian system by bringing all key stakeholders together to share best practices and find innovative ways to make humanitarian action more effective.

• Create a database with socio-demographics information before the crisis or disaster. (Need for a central location to collect data about senior citizens, where they are located and their needs must be established)

• Security, support and counselling needs of Seniors needs to be addressed (Loneliness and being left behind when family members or loved ones leave for work, recreation or migration)

• Policies and guidelines need to be strengthened, and disseminated to Seniors

• Seniors want and need to be involved at all levels and times.

• Thanks Red Cross for involving us in this discussion!!

• Work with us! – Just because we are Senior Citizens does not mean that we should be excluded! We, as a group have a lot to offer.

Groups working on their presentations, facilitated by RC volunteers

Red Cross Senior Citizens Outreach

There are two (2) Red Cross Senior Citizens Groups attached to Guyana Red Cross. Each group

has approximately 100 members, some of whom have become housebound. While the

housebound members are no longer able to attend meetings, the other members visit them and

share whatever goodies they can, providing social contact, and a sense of well-being.

While the membership is mostly women, there are a few male members. Each member pays a

subscription, and the groups plan their own monthly activities. Monthly events are usually

around themes such as Red & White for Valentine’s Day, hats for Easter as examples.

In August of each year, the 2 groups plan an outing to a location such as a water resort, or picnic

in the park, and have planned games for the day.

In October of each year, the Seniors attend a Church Service to commemorate the Day of Older

People, and refreshments are provided by staff and volunteers. They also cater for Seniors

within the Church. In December of each year the National Headquarters host Christmas parties,

at which time the Seniors are treated to a snack, a meal, lots of dancing and a take home hamper.

Music is provided by the Police Force, and is greatly enjoyed not only by the Seniors, but by the

members of the Police bands as well. On one day the string band plays, and on the other day it is

the steel pan band.

The Seniors groups participate in selling raffle sheets, and make annual donations to the National

Headquarters.

In 2015, the Guyana Red Cross presented plaques of appreciation to the Police Bands for

their contribution to the Red Cross Seniors activities for over 30 years.

Santa Claus, played by Red Cross Youth and the group of elves, are greatly looked forward

to by the Seniors, as the RCY join the Red Cross Seniors on the dance floor.

RCY Volunteers relaxing after the RC Senior’s Christmas Party!!

Blood Donor Recruitment

After a review of 2015 programmes and activities, GRCS staff and volunteers determined

to up the number of blood donors.

2016 saw an increase in the number of Blood Donors at the monthly recruitment days held

at the National Headquarters, especially among the youth, in collaboration with the

National Blood Transfusion Service. The NBTS is responsible for providing the

phlebotomists, the taking of the blood and the testing. The GRCS Health Education class

participants have also started to volunteer in giving blood. This also increases their

awareness of the continuous need for safe blood and for healthy donors.

In both 2015 and 2016 the NBTS gave awards to GRCS for their continued support.

GRCS invested in stickers, Volunteer Blood Donor pins, and pins for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25

unit donors. Other means of recognition were devised such as giving certificates to donors

on WBDD. In 2016 persons who donated at the June 14th drive were asked to partake of the

specially decorated cake, done by a RC Volunteer. One blood drive per month is done at

the RC HQ, with some support to external drives

2015 2016

No. of Male Donors 154 150

No. of Female Donors 136 251

Club 25 5 8

No. of RC Volunteer Support 2 6

Hours of RC Volunteer Support 240 400

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels primarily provides a Monday to Friday mid-day meal to homebound

seniors with the added aspect of a quick safety check and much-needed social connection

that comes with each delivery.

Two paid staff with some help from volunteers prepare the meals. Meals are individually

packaged to be handed off simply to clients. Some food items are donated by individuals

and or business places. Some clients pay a token sum of money, while others may be

supported by a well-wisher, and others may need, but not be able to pay for themselves. In

the latter cases, GRCS carries the cost of this. However, the Inner Wheel Clubs of

Georgetown, and Georgetown Central do make annual contributions.

# Meals # Meals #Females # Males Delivered On site

2015 7,980 720 85% 15%

2016 8,200 735 85% 15%

Other meals prepared by the kitchen

2015 Total of 450 meals and snacks for events or trainings

2016 Total of 525 meals and snacks for events or trainings

Children’s Convalescent Home

Started in 1951 as the Princess Elizabeth Home, the RC CCH is a programme caring for children

ages 6 months to 6 years in a residential home setting with a staff of 24. In 1980, a new facility

was built in D’Urban Backlands. There are 2 older children in the Home presently, both of whom

the Ministry is trying to find alternate housing for.

Today the home continues to provide care to children, all of whom now come through the Child

Protection Agency (a government agency).

At the end of 2016, there were 47 (forty-seven) children at the Home, comprising of 19

(nineteen) Boys, 15 (fifteen) Girls, 5 (five) baby girls and 8 (eight) baby boys.

Reasons for Admission

• Socio economical constraints: Parent /parents, lacked the necessary materials, finances

and basic parenting skills to provide the basic needs for their child or children.

• Abandonment and Neglect: Children ages ten and under were often left to care for

their younger siblings as the parents or parent sought employment in the interior

locations of Guyana , as cooks , miners, security or in some cases CSW. This was done

with the intention of providing shelter, security and food. Thus children under the ages of

6 years would be taken to the Convalescent Home by the Social Protection Agency.

• Substance Misuse & Abuse : The misuse of substances such as alcohol, marijuana,

cocaine and other drugs caused a lot of parents to have their child or children removed

from such an environment.

• Physical Abuse: This was surprisingly one of the less reasons that children were

admitted to GRCS CCH, taking into consideration that the above mentioned are all

contributing factors for admission.

Schooling

In 2015 three (3) children attended the Enterprise Nursery 2nd year.

In 2016 eight (8) children attended the Enterprise Primary and Nursery Schools.

Twelve children were involved in 2015 and 2016 in the Early Childhood Development area

which continues to be headed by Ms. Stacey Joseph who is qualified in this area, and trained

through UNICEF support.

One key cooperate donor to make meaningful and long lasting contributions to GRCSCCH, is

COURTS Guyana Ltd. They have contributed greatly to our ongoing needs and also to the

refurbishing of the building.

Guyana Red Cross Acknowledges and THANKS ALL Donors!

Health and Care in the Community

Health Education Classes

Three Health Education Classes are offered regularly by the Guyana Red Cross, through

its Georgetown Office.

A prerequisite for all classes is First Aid, CPR and AED training.

This is followed by the Fundamentals of Health and Wellness Course.

Participants follow a 50-60 hour syllabus over a 2 hour period, twice a week for approx. 3

months.

Topics include:

o Review of First Aid

o Healthy Lifestyle

o Disease Transmission and Prevention

o Tropical Illnesses

o Chronic Illnesses (Non-Communicable Diseases)

o Mental Health

o Types of Abuse

o Reproductive Health

o Sexually Transmitted Diseases

o Presentations

2015 (Only evening classes were held with a total of 51 participants (all Female).

2016 Both morning and afternoon classes were offered with a total of 111 participants with one

male participant.

The IFRC introduced a module on NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) into the CBHFA

Community Based Health and First Aid) material in April 2016. Two (2) participants from

Guyana Red Cross attended the training, and held sessions with the NS upon their return.

In 2015, a student doing her Masters in Public Health worked with Guyana Red Cross to review

and revise the Fundamentals of Health and Wellness Instructors Manual, which she concluded in

2016. Ms. Montague was also trained in the new NCD module and did the presentation on this at

her local church. Many thanks to Ms. Montague. Ms. Montague was trained in First Aid, CPR

and AED in appreciation of her work.

Care of the Elderly Class.

After being certified in First Aid, and the Fundamentals of Health participants may take training

in Care of the Elderly Class.

The class has 60 hours of theory and practical, and then are required to do 60 hours of practical

work at Seniors Homes. The practical work is graded by their Supervisor of the Home, with

reports submitted to the lecturer. Many participants take the course in order to better care for a

loved one at home, to gain employment outside their own homes, or just for personal knowledge.

In 2015 and 2016 a total of fifty-five (55) females took the course.

Some of the participants were able to obtain employment locally, and some went overseas.

Others were able to go on to do a Course in Social Work.

Course Outline includes:

Review of First Aid

Roles and Responsibilities of a Caregiver

Vital Signs

Communication

Mobility and Immobility

NCDs

Mental Illnesses

Care of the skin, eyes, nails etc

Hygiene

Elder Abuse

Stages of dying

Bed Making

Bathing and dressing

Year No. of Participants

Male Female

2015 0 28

2016 0 39

A room has been outfitted at the Guyana Red Cross Headquarters as a unit to provide space to do

the practical aspects, as well as which can be available should any staff feel unwell.

Guyana Red Cross

Child Care

Teachers Manual

Care of the Young Child Course

During 2015, a total of 15 Participants took the Care of the Young Child class, while in

2016 there was a total of 13 participants.

In this class participants have 80 hours of class time, and then 40 hours in a Children’s

Home setting. In 2015 and 2016 all participants did their practical work at the Red Cross

Children’s Convalescent Home.

Course Content:

1. Introduction

-Course Outline and overview of Red Cross

2. The Caregiver

-Communication. -Working with Others -Self Esteem

3. Health & Hygiene

-Safety -Nutrition/Meal Planning -Food Handling

-Disease Transmission/Prevention/Hygiene

- HIV and AIDS - Childhood Illnesses -Medication

4. Child Development

-Theories of Development -Stages of Development

-Play -Discipline -Abuse

5. The Next Steps

Welfare Dept.

Guyana Red Cross has since its inception hosted a welfare Dept. Frequently persons are

referred to the NS by government agencies for whatever type of assistance as may be

available, usually consisting of food, hygiene, and clothing packages. All support depends

heavily on the supplies donated to Red Cross by companies, and individual donors.

Sometimes it is just a mid-day meal and a listening ear. Sometimes it is a referral to other

groups better able to assist.

Assistance may take the form also of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, hospital beds etc.

Many recipients are older people taking care of grand and great grandchildren, HIV and

AIDS and TB affected persons. Some persons are seeking support for abuse of various

forms.

Frequently mothers who have had to be evacuated to the city at short notice request baby

clothes and clothes for themselves.

Guyana Red Cross needs to have a full time Social worker to assist in this and other

outreach programmes

GUYANA RED CROSS LINKAGES WITH UNHCR

First Meeting of the Caribbean Migration Consultations in Trinidad and Tobago took

place during 5-8 December 2016, the Government of Trinidad andTobago, with the support of

UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), hosted the first technical

meeting of the Caribbean Migration Consultations (CMC), which had been formally launched at

a meeting held in Belize City in January 2016. A total of 20 countries were represented at the

CMC in Port of Spain, in addition to representatives of CARICOM IMPACS (Implementing

Agency for Crime and Security), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent

Societies (IFRC), and UNHCR's implementing partner in Trinidad and Tobago, Living Water

Community.

The CMC meeting consisted of two days dedicated to refugee protection and two days on

broader migration issues, including border management and smuggling of migrants. Throughout

the meeting, participants highlighted the increasing complexity and magnitude of the

phenomenon of mixed migration throughout the Caribbean and the importance of an ongoing

regional dialogue on refugee protection and migration management.

The meeting included break-out group discussions on protection partnerships, normative

frameworks and institutions for refugee protection, and good practices in the identification and

referral of asylum-seekers.

CARICOM IMPACS delivered a presentation on its work in the region, and participants were

introduced to UNHCR’s Technical Guidance for the Development of Refugee Legislation in the

Caribbean and the Vulnerability

Country delegations delivered presentations on the arrival of Venezuelans, the current state of

emergency

preparedness, and relevant coordination structures and mechanisms. The workshop introduced

participants to key protection principles and standards, the relevance of screening and referral

mechanisms in the context of mixed migration, the Vulnerability Screening Tool, the Sphere

Standards, and the Core Humanitarian Standards. Using tools and templates from the UNHCR

Preparedness Package for Refugee Emergencies, participants developed contingency plans and

concrete action points for promoting emergency preparedness.

Participants of the Workshop.

The Delegation from Guyana included Mr. Ewart Wray of the Immigration Dept., Mr. Junor of

the Guyana Police Force and Dorothy Fraser, Guyana Red Cross.

The Legacy of Henri Dunont lives on

“To improve the lives of vulnerable people

by mobilizing the Power of Humanity.”

First Aid, CPR and AED Trainings

Managed by a core team of 8 First Aid Instructors, with 5 in-training

volunteer Instructors.

2015 2016

Regular FA Monthly Classes: 461 289 persons

CPR only 30 persons

Community* 325 138 persons

Company Trainings not available 344 persons

_____________ ____________

Total 786 801 persons

* indicates that through DREF funding in response to flooding, and through the

AMCROSS resilience funding, such numbers were reached.

2015 2016

15 GRCS participated in an Airport simulation in 2015

125 118 First Aid Posts

15,000 2,100 Volunteer Hours

100 200 First Responders gave volunteer service

26 Inter-House and Inter-School sports,

12 Responders providing FA support at the Guyana

National Schools Athletic Championships.

20 First Aid talks to schools, businesses, and companies.

1,000 Casualties from School events received on the spot care

(mainly due to dehydration, cramps, etc.), with

5 transported to Advanced Medical Care

3,000 Casualties at the Jubilee (Independence) celebrations

with

30 Being transported to Advanced Medical Care.

National events supported by the GRCS First Responders included the

Mashramani, Independence 50th Jubilee Event, other Independence Events, and Walk-a-thons for NGO’s and Ministries and Agencies, National and International races.

New Developments

➢ First Aid and Hazard Apps developed with the American Red Cross.

➢ First Aid Training for persons in a Care for the Elderly Class, supported by the Office of

the First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger.

➢ First Aid equipment and Volunteer Management tools supported by the American Red

Cross.

➢ Training of First Aid Instructors was held in 2015, funded by the RITA project.

➢ 2 Refreshers Trainings were held for First Responders in each of the 2 years in review.

First Lady Sandra Granger with the First Aid Instructors and participants of the First Aid Training.

More information can be obtained from the following:

http://gina.gov.gy/nineteen-care-givers-for-the-elderly-complete-first-aid-training/

http://www.motp.gov.gy/index.php/2015-07-20-18-49-38/2015-07-20-18-50-14/1282-nineteen-care-givers-for-

the-elderly-complete-first-aid-training

http://gina.gov.gy/women-trained-in-first-aid-cpr-as-part-of-first-ladys-care-for-the-elderly-initiative/

Ambulance for First Aid Department

The 2014 request to the Japanese Grassroots Project resulted in a new, well equipped

ambulance being handed over to the Guyana Red Cross in February 2015 by First

Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

The programme around the hand-over included an excellent skit by Red Cross Youth

which had the audience believing that the “casualty” was an “absolutely for real” case!

The “casualty” was taken on a stretcher to the new ambulance, transported away from the

compound, with the ambulance then being returned to the Red Cross Headquarters for

inspection by the gathering.

The Ambulance is specific for First Aid Posts, and for home to hospital and hospital to

home pre-arranged trips.

ZIKA RESPONSE

Riverain Community Outreach

As in many countries, Guyana experienced an upsurge in ZIKA cases. Not all victims were

tested, however the classic symptoms were reported in large numbers.

The Guyana Red Cross partnered with the Ministry of Public Health, and in particular

with Vector Control Services to conduct trainings and awareness sessions in several

communities across the country.

UNICEF SUPPORT

In addition, the Guyana Red Cross implemented the following actions with funding from

UNICEF to address the vector borne diseases issue with particular reference to ZIKA:

• Children and women are properly informed and provided with guidance on the

prevention of contracting vector borne diseases, especially ZIKV.

• Safe water storage techniques.

• Counselling for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant was provided.

GRCS undertook community WASH outreach activities focusing on safe water storage to reduce

vector breeding sites, provided awareness sessions on reproductive health and counselling

services for pregnant women with a special focus on teenagers. GRCS also procured and

distributed medically approved and culturally appropriate vector repellents at the awareness

sessions on reproductive health and counselling services for pregnant women with a special

focus on teenagers in 5 Administrative Regions (1,6,7,8 & 9) reaching a total of 155,000 people

of which 76,000 were children.

The Ministry of Public Health approved the posters.

Resource Development

Guyana Red Cross increased the number of collection boxes at various business locations. Some

of the boxes were sponsored by businesses and the Bank of Guyana urged persons to donate to

the Red Cross among other groups in order to facilitate the getting into the system the large

quantity of coins that were not being circulated.

The signature Tea and Fashion show was reintroduced to the public, and was held at the State

House, the home of President and Mrs. Granger. The President who had agreed to be patron of

the NS was inducted at the event.

Annual or bi-annual raffles continued to be a feature of the NS activities to raise funds. Local

businesses donate all the prizes.

Tea and Fashion Show Held at State House in Februrary 2015.

President Granger was pinned as the Patron of Red Cross, and addressed the Attendees

A section of the patrons of the Tea & Fashion Show 2015

https://www.facebook.com/NCNGuyana/videos/990539064357651/

Red Cross Youth in Guyana

The Red Cross Youth continue to play an important role within Guyana Red Cross.

They RCY are very involved in First Aid Posts, Walk-a-thons, Health Fairs and NS events and

National Events.

Each year the RCY prepare a “Wreath of Smiles” outreach. This includes business places taking

a name of child provided by RC partners, and have their staff and clients provide a suitable gift

for the child they have selected. The gifts are then distributed to the children. During 2015 and

2016, over 1,000 children were reached.

The Red Cross Youth also participate in PYARG (Presidents Youth Award Republic of Guyana

MS), and RC provides leadership for groups.

In 2016 the RCY took a more active role in planning the monthly Blood Drives, and encouraging

young people to donate.

The seven Fundamental Principles

Proclaimed in Vienna in 1965, the seven Fundamental Principles bond together the National Red Cross

and Red Crescent Societies, The International Committee of the Red Cross and the International

Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. They guarantee the continuity of the Red

Cross Red Crescent Movement and its humanitarian work.

Humanity

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without

discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity,

to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and

health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship,

cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It

endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give

priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality

In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or

engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence

The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of

their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their

autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the

Movement.

Voluntary service It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.