One of St Ann’s best known residents, Dr John McDowell was honored last week for his long and dedicated service to the St John Ambulance.
The award was made to Dr McDowell, a well known dental surgeon and philanthropist for having served the volunteer organization for more than 26 years, at the awareness ceremony and awards of the North Central chapter of St John last week Thursday, October 2, 2014, at St Jon Anglican Church, Ocho Rios, St, Ann
In November, St John Ambulance will be 115 years, having been established as the St John Jamaica Charity. St John is a worldwide organization of volunteers, helping in training of first responders, providing ambulance services and making its volunteers available in case of disasters.
At the function last week at which Dr. McDowell was honored with a plaque presented by Shahine Robinson, MP, after the reading of a citation, nearly 20 volunteers were handed certificates for their successful completion of the First Aid course put on by St John. The group of first aid providers also did simulation of an accident scene in which someone was hurt, and needed to be given CPR, stabilized and then moved.
Main speaker at the function was Earl Jarrett, managing director of Jamaica National and chairman of the St John National Council for Jamaica. He said St John Jamaica was reestablishing its international links, improving its image and the latest step in that regard was the appointment of Allison Christie Binger as the administrative head of the Jamaican operation of St John Ambulance. Mr Jarrett said a very detailed strategic plan to guide the growth and development of the organization had been prepared. The main job now, he said, was to ensure that St John was financially stable. Mr Jarrett’s speech focused on the uses to which the hands could be put, stating they could be used for good or evil. He used cases from the Bible and present day realities to outline how often evil work by the hands hurt the society and good works healed it.
A detailed overview of the work of the Division was given by Dr Stewart McKoy, board member. He encouraged volunteerism and reminded those recently trained that they should have a determination to perform and use the best practices and be honest at all time, preserving confidentiality.
Welcome was given by Pixley Irons, head of the North Central Division of St John.
Among those bringing greetings were custos of St Ann, Norma Walters and former custos of St Mary AA Bobby Pottinger. Emcee was Tyherrona Gosse with Richard McLaughlin moving the vote of thanks.
