Spanish Ambassador Jess Silva (second left) presents a cheque yesterday to Yvonne Clarke (second right), director general of the Jamaica Red Cross, and Dr. Jaslin Salmon (right), president of the Jamaica Red Cross, at the Spanish Embassy in New Kingston. Looking on is Ignacio Taboada, deputy head of mission at the Spanish Embassy. The donation will be used to buy an ambulance for the organisation. - Rudoplph Brown/Chief Photographer

The Jamaica Red Cross has had its ambulance fleet boosted with the presentation of US$35,000 (J$2.3 million) from the Spanish Red Cross for the purchase of one for the non-governmental organisation.

The cheque was presented to Dr. Jaslin Salmon, Red Cross president, at the Spanish Embassy in New Kingston, yesterday.

Yvonne Clarke, director general of the Red Cross, said the new ambulance would enhance the capacity of the organisation to address the health needs in the country.

Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, who presented the cheque, said this was one of many ways in which Spain has been getting involved in Jamaica.

"We are becoming a part of your country, and as a part of your country we want to get involved with the good and also with the needs of the country," he said. "It is not a strategy, it is a fact, we are getting more involved with Jamaica and we have to be sensible to the needs of the request from the Jamaican society and this is one of them."

The Jamaica Red Cross is a voluntary relief society with some 14 branches across the island.