Matthews, Allen and Samuel at Government House in Barbados.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – New St John Association CEO Jon Matthews, chair Xenula Allen, and commissioner Sergeant Samuel Stevens are recently back from a regional meeting in Barbados; and, in the case of Matthews and Samuel an additional stint to accommodate their participation in the Caribbean First Aid Program Refresher Course.
That’s according to Matthews who informs us that in addition to Antigua & Barbuda, the meeting attracted representation from Bermuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, Trinidad, as well as the offices in London and Canada. The formalities were attended by a number of Barbados dignitaries, including the governor general.
“The minister of health gave a speech during which he emphasised the importance of St John Ambulance and of CPR and first aid training and thanked all the associations for their efforts in this regard,” Matthews reported.
Locally, he indicated that the association continues to fulfill this mandate.
“To achieve that we have restructured the association,” the former chairman indicated.
“I have now stepped down as chairman as I have been appointed as chief executive officer. This will now allow me to dedicate all my time to improving and developing our services in addition to increasing the level and frequency of CPR and first aid training.”
The restructuring included, as indicated, the appointment of Allen to the chair and Stevens to the role of commissioner. Samuel, Matthews added, will also lead the association’s new youth programme. Legal advisor Sharon Cort, treasurer Norris Franker, Jennifer Avory, Eleanor Frederick have also joined the council.
The St John Association, headquartered in England, is a global, charitable non-profit organisation with projects including CPR and first aid training, first aid coverage at public events, and St John Hospice – with formal opening of the new facilities at the former Gwyneth O’Reilly Ward at Holberton Hospital scheduled for December 2.
The association is actively courting support, so visit their pages on Antiguanice.com or Facebook to find out more.
