(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Members of Staff of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat on Friday 23 July participated in what has become an annual blood donation exercise at the Turkeyen, Guyana headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat.

For the third time in three years, the CARICOM Secretariat hosted the Blood Donation Drive; this time contributing 22 units of blood to Guyana’s National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). The blood bank sets a daily collection target of 43 units of blood.

Ms. Karene Mitchell, Supervisor to Donor Attendants, said that the supply of blood from the CARICOM Secretariat was timely, as voluntary contributions to the NBTS were “slow.”

CARICOM Secretariat Staff Member going through Donor screening process before blood donation

She said that the donation, which had become an annual initiative organised by the CARICOM Secretariat’s Staff Association, was “greatly appreciated.”

Vice-President of the Staff Association, Mr. Nigel Duncan said he was delighted to continue the collaboration with the blood bank in a venture which provided an opportunity for the Secretariat’s staff to “give back” to the society.

Over the years, he said, the Association had been responding in this manner to the ever urgent need for all types of blood at the NBTC. Mr. Duncan said he was “touched” by the willingness of members of staff to participate in the exercise “year after year.”

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org