Address by President Winston on World Red Cross Day

As we celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2022 it gives me immense pleasure to address you as the President of the Dominica Red Cross Society.

Kindness and Humanity are amongst the most powerful tools we can use in today’s world.  We are continuously faced with the harsh impacts of climate change, COVID 19 and other crises and we must ever be a spark of hope and change in response.

Crises and disasters have spared virtually no one in the past year and we have been hit the hardest.  Yet one never has to look far to find and be inspired by acts of kindness.  In celebrating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we celebrate the dedication, compassion and courage of millions of volunteers and countless others who offer help, care and life saving services to people in their communities.

In Dominica, the Dominica Red Cross has been supporting communities with information on COVID 19, distribution of food parcels and food vouchers to support those whose livelihood have been impacted.  Support was also given to the Ministry of Health at the Health Centers.  We are indeed proud that one of our volunteers and the youth representative on the Governing Board Dante Moses is on the Ukrainian borders and is presently assisting with relief to those who are affected by this horrible war.

On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we in a special way pay tribute to all who selflessly help others in need.  When all these small actions multiply, the impact can be enormous.  The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is comprised of the International Committee, the International Federation and 192 National Societies with 14.9 million volunteers.  It is estimated that one in every 524 people in the world is a Red Cross Volunteer.

They are COVID 19 responders working tirelessly to prevent the spread of the virus and support those affected.  They are on the ground in disaster and conflict hit places

checking in on neighbours and strangers ushering them to safety and care, providing first aid and distributing essential supplies.  They are people who routinely put others first in the service to their communities.

Together the Red Cross and Red Crescent reached 688 million people affected by disaster and other emergencies, 306 million with health services, 126 million with clean water and improved sanitation and facilitated 1.5 million phone and video call between families separated by disaster, violence, conflict or in quarantine – a call every minute of the year.

In most situations, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers remain lifelines to local communities sometimes at risk to their own safety.  They remind us why we must invest in local action and nurture humanity and kindness.

Everyday Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers see first hand how kindness relieves suffering, brings comfort, lights up the darkest moments and restores dignity.  Amid so many hardships, loss and uncertainty, we encourage people around the world to believe in the power of kindness and to keep the kindness coming.