Saturday, July 25, 2009

Amazing programs from our new Rotarian Civilian-Military project Initiative!


Check out the below correspondence from the Rotary Club of Trinidad-Tabago...




Sent: Friday, July 24, 2009 1:06 PM

Prindle, Clinton J, LCDR (L)Subject: Beyond the Horizons (BTH)_Trinidad & Tobago

I want to express, sincere thanks to the SOUTHCOM, the wonderful opportunity for Rotary Clubs of Trinidad to be involve with this current mission. The integration with the Rotary Clubs have been fantastic. Lt. Col Dennis Freytes and his XO Major Wayne Guzman, have gone all out to ensure there was full integration with the Civic Community, Governments, and opened the doors to all, to partner and participate in this mission.

Col.Beliner is currently working with the MEDRETE for Cataract Surgery being conducted at the Mount Hope Medical Hospital. The visit by Gen.Chang lead to talks with our Government and key stakeholders to look at the alleviation of over 5000 back log cases cataract and other needs in Trinidad andTobago. Mission-International, Lead by Dr. Brian Luchington, advisor to our Prime Minister Office, is responsible for coordinating the US Team, document approvals, custom and excise, ministry of health approval etc. they put everything together for these programmes to run smoothly.

I am hoping that Rtn. Robert Ketron, and our Rotary International Team of EdMattson, Dr. Leigh Readdy and others, will work towards the alleviation of the 5000 cases of cataract and other corrective blindness for Trinidad and Tobago in the upcoming mission over the next 2 to 3 yrs. As per attached e-mails, Col. Berliner will like to get an idea of there sources, equipment, funding etc, that we can bring forward to make the mission a joint effort, "Working together as One for the People of Trindad and Tobago".

One goal is that the stategic partnership with Rotary District 7030 (which represents 13 countries in the Caribbean including Guyana, Suriname, and French Guyana), and for Trindad to be an example nation to this Joint Partnership with SOUTHCOM and its Humanitarian Missions to the Caribbean. Currently the District Governor of Rotary District 7030 is from Trinidad, DG Ms. Astra Da Costa, to whom thise-mail is also copied. DG Astra, has given her support to the Partnership, so we hope to see this integration become stronger, with improved communications between all involved.

The contact here in Trindad via the US Embassy, is Chief Garrett Edmond. He has done a great job ensuring protocols are maintained and that there is integration of the local entities. As you know, Rotarians are people with resources and networking ability. They can make things happen. This economic turn-around strategic approach is for collaboration and partnership to serve, and to serve meaningfully, with the long term focus of our future, sustainable development and security to the region. Rotary as a non-political or secular entity can make a major difference in bringing the people of nations together to serve. I will be sending a complete report to Rotary International, Chairman for Humanitarian Service Rotary Action Group, Dr. Ed Mattson and will copy SOUTHCOM, through Rtn Dr. Leigh Readdy, for future reference, lessons learned, and recommendations.

RegardsDeoraj Beephan

CHAIRMAN, Civic Coordination Committee, US Army South PACCE Beyond the Horizon 2009Trinidad and Tobago.
Mobile: 868-680-6169
Fax: 868-221-7882
Member of Rotary InternationalnHumanitarian Service Rotary Action Group.
Past President 2008-2009, Rotary Club of Princes Town
Hi Ed,
I have to tell you that those mosquito patches you gave us when you spoke at the Highland Club really work. We have our Ribfest coming up in a few weeks and I would like to get some more of them. You mentioned that one of the pharmacies carries them, but I can’t remember which one. Would you refresh my memory?

I am looking forward to having you at our District 7210 conference next May.




Check out the RibFest at: http://www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org/


Yours in Rotary,
Steve

Steven E. Laubach, AGA Region 2
Rotary Club of Highland , NY
P.O. Box 723
Highland , NY 12528
bmesteve@optonline.net