Barbados bestows Humanitarian Award on PAHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne
Barbados has bestowed the Humanitarian Award on the outgoing Director of the Pan American Well being Group (PAHO) Dr. Carissa Etienne for her sterling contribution within the combat in opposition to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Humanitarian Awards is an initiative of the Barbados authorities that acknowledges the sacrifice made by frontline staff throughout the pandemic.
The Dominica-born Dr. Etienne acquired the Honorary Freedom of Barbados Award for the exemplary service offered to Barbados all through the continued pandemic that has killed and contaminated hundreds of thousands all over the world.
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“I want sincerely to thank the individuals and the federal government of Barbados for the dignity and privilege of being adorned with this prestigious award. I’m grateful for the popularity however much more so for the chance to have served your authorities and also you the individuals of Barbados,” Dr. Etienne advised the ceremony that was held on the Kensington Oval on the outskirts of the capital.
Among the many awards distributed have been the Humanitarian Medals, which have been conferred on front-line staff who, regardless of the apparent threat to their very own security, persevered to make sure that the general public might nonetheless have their primary wants met.
Humanitarian lapel pins have been offered to those that labored in supporting roles on the entrance line and who performed their half in decreasing the influence of the virus. The ultimate class of awardees acquired humanitarian plaques as an expression of appreciation for his or her beneficiant donations to reduce the influence of COVID-19.
Dr. Etienne, who acquired the award “for her management staff and friendship to Barbados throughout the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic”, pointed to ladies who needed to mom, take care of relations and nonetheless discover meals whilst they have been experiencing growing bodily and psychological abuse at dwelling.
She additionally lauded the “management, imaginative and prescient and dedication” of Prime Minister Mia Mottley for her function at dwelling and throughout the area throughout the “early darkish days of COVID-19.
“You will have served admirably in one of many worst intervals within the historical past of public well being. We rejoice you right this moment. We rejoice your resolve your dedication to serve others and your sheer dedication to get the job executed, it doesn’t matter what,” she stated.
“You got here nose to nose with loss of life and dying, a few of them your family members, your mates and households. You your self suffered anxiousness, concern, unresolved grief, melancholy, burn out and psychological ill-health. Each day you needed to face your personal vulnerability, but you awakened every day, dressed and offered your self to serve others, within the service of humanity and dedication to your fellow man.
“You repeatedly sought the recommendation of our specialists and acted boldly whereas respecting the science and worldwide norms and requirements,” she stated of the chief who grew to become her “midnight buddy” throughout late evening cellphone calls and consultations.
Etienne stated “If the pandemic has taught us one factor, it’s that we’re higher collectively and that we’re solely protected when the weakest amongst us can be protected. Allow us to subsequently go forth in solidarity, in love and repair to one another”.
CMC/