Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer
STUDENTS ATTIRED in uniforms and residents of the Trench Town community turned out in their numbers to receive free medical service from the Organisation for International Development, at a health clinic held at the Boys' Town compound yesterday.
A team of 25 local and overseas-based medical volunteers, led by Dr. Roy Streete, chairman of the Organisation for International Development, offered general medical service to over 100 members of the community which also included students from adjoining areas.
Dr. Streete, who was on his second visit to the community, said the initiative is a part of the team's objective to provide free medical service to persons who cannot afford it. He said the team had other such projects in countries such as Grenada, St. Lucia and even as far as Ethiopia and Ghana.
ENRICHING EXPERIENCE
He also said that it was an enriching experience to serve the members of the Boys' Town community. "It is very fulfilling to do this kind of work, especially in a community that is under-served as this one."
Junior Lincoln, president of the Boys' Town Old Boys' Association, praised the work of the volunteers and described it as a noble venture. "As you can see, everyone has benefited, from the little basic school children to community members. Those who cannot afford regular check-ups can come and get first class medical service."
Apart from general medical service, the clinic included screening, high blood pressure checks, pap smears, dental service and a science fair.
Clifford Bent, a recipient of the clinic and a member of the Boys' Town family for over 40 years, was grateful for the free consultations. "I and I really appreciate it, as I could get some help for my teeth. I wish it could a gwaan every six months," he said.
The Organisation for International Development is a voluntary organisation based in New York.
