USS Kearsarge bids farewell to Guyana

Nov 23, 2008 News

…plans underway for 2010 missionYesterday it was farewell for the 1,500 crew members of the USS Kearsarge who wrapped up their ‘Continuing Promise 2008’ mission.

And on the occasion, the team had a ribbon cutting ceremony for the works done on their main engineering project at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre.

Over the past two weeks, the team hosted several medical outreach programmes in Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and Santa Rosa.

During the visit which began on November 9, the team saw more than 6,000 persons who were suffering from various medical complaints, and conducted 66 surgical interventions onboard the Amphibious ship, USS Kearsarge.

Speaking at the closing ceremony was Mayor Hamilton Greene, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, US Embassy Representative Ms. Karen Williams, and Commodore Frank Ponds of the USS Kearsarge.

Mayor Hamilton Green thanked the entire team for the work they undertook and completed over the two weeks they were in Guyana. He especially lauded the efforts of the engineering team.

He noted that the USS Kearsarge team should be commended for the work done and more so for affording the five Guyanese crew members to reunite with their families.

Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green (right) makes a presentation to Commodore Frank Ponds at yesterday’s closing ceremony.

Mayor Green assured the team that the works which have been done on the East Ruimveldt Community Centre will go a far way in Youth Development in the community.

He added that the onus is now on the members of the community to manage and maintain what has been done.

The community centre was given a major face lift, which saw the entire building being repainted, a complete play area including swing and slide set installed, and the perimeter fence built.

Similar sentiments were expressed by both Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and US Deputy Chef de Mission, Karen Williams.

They both lauded the efforts of USS Kearsarge and lamented that they would be looking forward to continuous partnership.

Commodore Frank Ponds thanked the Guyana Government for affording them the opportunity to change the lives of many.

He said that it was very heartwarming to see the smiles that were brought to the faces of many with whom they came into contact during their visit.

He noted that one of their mission’s proudest moments was being able to save the life of a 15-year-old girl who was in dire need of surgery for a ruptured appendix. He also made mention of a little girl who was not able to see from birth but thanks to their surgeon she is now able to see.

Commodore Ponds added that even as they prepare to leave, plans are already underway for their 2010 visit.
Some members of the team were presented with tokens from Prime Minister Hinds and the Mayor of Georgetown.

Some of the organisations that benefited from the USS Kearsarge mission are the East Ruimveldt Community Center, the Houston Community High School, the Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home, the West Demerara Regional Hospital and the South Ruimveldt Community Park.

The team also managed to dispense more than 10,000 prescriptions, provide veterinarian care to more than 1,600 animals and conducted more that 30,500 medical, dental and optometric services.
The USS Kearsage departed with it members yesterday afternoon.