Minister Charles Griffith holds Partnership Talks with Ross University School of Medicine

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment,  on Friday explored a framework for cooperation in several areas with Ross University School of Medicine.

The almost hour and a half of talks held between a Ministry delegation led by Minister Charles Griffith and Dr Rhonda Mc Intyre, Senior Associate Dean of Ross University School of Medicine, External Affairs and Dr Carlene Radix, Assistant Dean of Community Medicine and Global Health at Ross University, included a range of individual, group and community health-care initiatives.

The discussions, which were held at the Ministry’s Haggatt Hall, St Michael offices, were initiated by Minister Griffith’s interest in supporting sports people who may face challenges that require first response medical interventions while at games. 

He contended “that most of the over 70 national sporting federations in Barbados have very few personnel to cover medical injuries that may arise and it’s high time that this issue be addressed.”

The discussions expanded into the various engagements of the sections within the Ministry where attention was also needed. Some of the opportunities for consideration shared by the Ross team, included a Heart Savers Programme, a Basic Life Support Programme, Community Medical Interventions, the use of Automated External Defibrillators, training for sportspersons and coaches and educational programmes including NCDs, parental awareness, cancer awareness for men and women.

Stating that she was “excited with the initiative which can be incorporated into a formal agreement between the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and Ross University”, Dr. Mc Intyre added that the overall framework agreement, with all the various components would guide the process.

Minister Griffith said he had “learnt a lot from the talks and is looking forward to ensuring the initiatives set out under the agreement are supported and  implemented”. 

In acknowledging the Minister’s commitment and enthusiasm, Dr Mc Intyre noted that the two sides can work towards a “Letter of Agreement” that could effect an agreed timeframe to execute the programmes.

Before Friday’s talks Ross University School of Medicine and the Ministry held two rounds of deliberations which explored the co-operative framework. (PR)