Japan giving Jamaica ambulance .
Barack Obama coming Jamaica to discuss I.M.F.
Regulation on clearing vehicle.
This just a drop in the bucket,but it's a start.

President Obama's visit.

Ambulances donated by Japan.

Question: What is happening to the money that was collected about two years ago for a replacement ambulance for Treasure Beach? The donations raised by community members plus the money obtained from the insurance company totaled more than $30,000 USD. We were then told that this amount was insufficient to purchase a new ambulance and for the annual expenses of running the ambulance.

As far as I know, Treasure Beach has not has its own ambulance is more than two years.

Are there any plans by BREDS to try to raise the additional amount needed?

If not, exactly what will happen to all this money? I am hoping it is for something to help with healthcare in Treasure Beach.

Stilhavhope, could you please explain your comments about "Japan giving Jamaica ambulance ... Just a drop in the bucket, but it's a start." I apologize, but I do not understand what you mean.

And, I am still looking for a response from BREDS on what is happening with the money that was collected for the ambulance.

Thank you.

We've received the following message from BREDS. -TBNet

"Dear Donors to the Treasure Beach ambulance fund via Treasurebeach.net

The directors of BREDS greatly appreciate the generous donation that you have made to the ambulance fund - which is kept in a separate US dollar account.

We need to raise an additional US$20,000 to purchase a new ambulance, and are seeking input on how to raise funding to cover the annual recurrent expenses of; insurance (approx US$1,500), maintenance (approx US$6,000) , gas (approx US$6,000) and staffing to work 24/7 (approx US$20,000).

If you are willing to assist in raising these funds we would be extremely grateful.

Two persons have asked to be refunded and have received their refund of US$200 & US$50.

I can be contacted via email Jason@breds.org or cell (876) 562 0000 for further info or to hear how we can work together to raise these additional funds.

Sincerely,


Jason Henzell"

Are these cost per year? There are lots of people that would probably drive for free.

$6000 US a year for maintenance of a vehicle that could sit idle for weeks at a time? Are you [edited by TB.Net] kidding me? W[edited by TB.Net] is that all about? And $6000 US on gas per year? Really? $6000 a year on gas. Think about this all of you. [edited by TB.Net] This is a joke. A sad joke I would ask for my donation to be returned too..these figure is a slap in the face to anyone with half a brain. [edited by TB.Net]

So can't we buy the ambulance and then the rest will come????

We have enough to get the ambulance... lets start there.We need to see something purchased before we give anymore money

Are these cost per year? There are lots of people that would probably drive for free.

We were among the first contributors to what we believed--and still believe--to be an important cause. We were also one of the first to ask to have our money returned (after waiting two years), and it was $250--not $200. (To let people know, we think healthcare is vitally important in Treasure Beach; our refund was given to another health-related cause, not back to us.)

BREDS has done an outstanding job of raising funds for the Sports Park and for sports-related activities in Treasure Beach. They raise money from Jamaicans and from contributors in numerous countries. They get donations from large corporations. They are even having a fund-raising event in New York in May.

There are 11 community leaders from Treasure Beach who form BREDS' Board of Directors. If they put their heads together--and if they really wanted an ambulance operating in Treasure Beach, I believe they could make it happen. They would have to decide it is an important priority, plain and simple.

To suggest that the readers of TB.net should come up with a plan to raise the remainder of the money (and I will not argue about the amount of money that is supposedly needed) is, to me, a way telling others they now have the responsibility to complete what BREDS started--and is wrong and unfair.

It comes down to priorities. If BREDS wants an ambulance for the well-being of the community and for all who use the Sports Park, they will make it happen.

Could not have put it better Karen.

Curious, who are the 11 community leaders. I would guess one is Jason Henzell. Not trying to sound or be negative but how can community leaders push the agenda and not put the infrastructure first. Seems to me "the cart before the horse". You've come a long way since I was a boy TB but to have longevity the Base or "infrastructure" has to be strong. You are resilient and inspiring but better always has to be done, its a part of change. 1Love All

According to their website, the Board of Directors of BREDS is comprised of the following people:

* Jason Henzell
* Dennis Abrahams
* Tamesha Dyght
* Zane Ebanks
* Laura Henzell
* Oneil James
* Norma Moxam
* Tanya Parchment-Brown
* Adina Parchment
* Maureen Powell
* Sandy Tatham

I am wondering why more members of the community are not asking about the ambulance. Is it because people are so used to bad roads, a lack of water, and all the other problems that they have given up? There is strength in numbers. If enough people care, they can make things happen.

I am wondering what will happen when the next medical emergency occurs. This could happen to someone who lives in Treasure Beach. This could happen to someone using the Sports Park. This could happen to a tourist.

I am wondering when BREDS will either fix the ambulance situation or will just say they have no intention of doing so.

BREDS: Might the charity game on August 2nd be played for the benefit of the ambulance fund?

To LOVE TB ... The infrastructure of Treasure Beach is certainly very important. However, there is about $30,000 US sitting in the ambulance fund right now. If BREDS wishes to use that money for a totally different purpose, I believe they have an obligation to ask each of the donors personally if this would be okay with them--or if they would prefer to have their money returned.

BREDS has not taken responsibility for the infrastructure of Treasure Beach. In my opinion, that would be asking far too much of any NGO.

BREDS has, however, taken responsibility for the ambulance. And I believe they owe the community members, people who utilize the Sports Park, and our visitors a clear answer.

As a yearly visitor to TB and an early contributor to the Ambulance fund, I must say Ms. Kennedy makes excellent points. A reliable hospital transport should be within our reach, without an astronomical financial burden. BREDS should concentrate on problem solving for the ambulance, with help from other community stake-holders.

Karen doesn't get this vocal unless she has a reason. Walk safe Karen. As I said before, $6,000 US a year for gas, and the same for maintaining ambulance is insane. Do they know they can turn off the vehicle when bot in use or leaving it on 24/7? These figures they put on this website makes me wonder if they think they are so smart and all of us so stupid to go with those inflated numbers. [edited by TB.Net]

A few of my drivers and I who know first hand the expense of running a regular bus in Jamaica for a year looked at the numbers given by BREDS. One of the drivers was also a volunteer driver for the ambulance in the past and had first hand knowledge of the gas and maintenance needed to keep that ambulance running.

We all agreed these numbers are not at all inflated or ridiculous. These ambulances are usually V8 engines which burn a great deal of gas and $56,000 per month for gas if the ambulance is running regularly (which would be the goal) would be about right if not even a bit low.

Maintenance as well could easily run that amount and would quickly be more if there is a major problem. Many ambulances may be of a make and model not readily sold here so this very well may involve importing parts. That expense alone will suck up that money in no time.

But, Rebecca an ambulance would not be running like a bus. How often do people get sick in such a small population? Why should the goal be to run the ambulance regularly? Even if it goes to Black River twice seven days a week it shouldn't cost so much. The other thing shouldn't anyone using the ambulance not be required to at least cover the cost of gas?

To Glenn and Archie and anyone else who has bothered to do the math:
• Treasure Beach needs an ambulance. Treasure Beach was promised an ambulance by BREDS if a certain amount of money was raised. Many people, including Rebecca, worked very hard to raise this money from numerous donors. Then after the money was raised, BREDS indicated the amount of money they said was needed would not be enough. But in the two years since the fundraising, BREDS seems to have forgotten their “ambulance project” and has concentrated on raising money for other things.
• An ambulance is not a taxi. There would probably be no reason to run it “regularly” unless it was being for such purposes as to take people to the doctor or to a hospital for treatments. If that’s how it’s being used, then the user should be expected to pay for these services—and pay at a higher rate than one would for a taxi. After all, a taxi doesn’t have a bed plus medical equipment.
• If the ambulance is used for people other than who live or vacation or play sports in Treasure Beach (in Junction or Nain, for instance), then whoever uses it should pay for it. And if it sits all day in a location outside Treasure Beach, then it should be paid for the entire time our community doesn’t have access to it.
• I believe BREDS has an obligation to the community and needs to put the ambulance on top of their “important” list. If not, they should say they have changed their mind, and they should refund the donations. If nothing else, they should not ignore all these posts—and hope people just shut their mouths or will forget.

Why would the goal be to run regularly? Shouldn't it be used just for emergencies and not as a taxi?

Who monitors the money already collected? Is it in an interest bearing account? Are we sure all the money donated is accounted for? Has anyone outside of BREDS had a chance to review the bank statement? Something like this should also be in a separate account, not just stuffed in with all their other money.

I agree with you Karen,can't the interested parties try to arrange a meeting to get answers to these concerns.

I’m not sure who “the interested parties” are. The Board of BREDS (their names are listed above) consists of 11 mature adults—all of whom are interested in Treasure Beach. And, as the ambulance is BREDS’ project (and responsibility)—and BREDS has collected the funds for the ambulance, I believe those 11 people can certainly meet and come to a decision that will benefit the community as a whole.

I have no knowledge of BREDS’ accounting practices and would not care to speculate on where the funds are or how they are being managed.

I do, however, encourage BREDS to make a decision and announce it as soon as possible.

I also encourage others who are interested in Treasure Beach to continue to make their opinions and suggestions known—and post them here on TB.net. I believe the community suffers when people feel their opinion is not important or nothing positive will result if they voice their concerns.

Lets try as individuals and reach out to all the sponsors and see if we can address this issue regarding the lack of an ambulance in Treasure Beach. Digicell, Wray and Nephew and all the other sponsors. Maybe its time we all make our own calls to say thanks for the sponsorship but lets address the bigger issues. How about some donations for an ambulance in the event the great Chris Gayle should arrive in Treasure Beach and be injured.Maybe Jason needs some help! {edited by TBNet}

Karen.as a visitor now in Jamaica I totally hear you! Your points are so valid it makes me wonder if Jason is taking time to read these posting, or any of the member on the board of directors is reading these post.

The situation in Treasure Beach is gravely. we need an ambulance desperately!! I truly believe that all the donations should be given back to donors.As a visitor who do I call in case of an emergency? it is very frightening to get sick in Treasure Beach and need medical assistance from an ambulance. Who do we call??.
We continue all these promotions on the sports park~ my questions is should a major medical emergency happen what do we do? There is not even a stretcher at the sports park to remove athletes from the field they are carried by hand or on peoples back. Not even ice packs! {edited by TBNet}

I do agree with everyone comments.
Thanks Karen,for all the information. {edited by TBNet}

I am respectfully asking BREDS to make a decision about the ambulance and announce it here.

I was in Treasure Beach when Michael Lee Chin came in his helicopter and handed over an ambulance not very long ago. Or am I dreaming?

To Fed Up Visitor, please see your comment 4 sections above.

I have made many posting Karen in regards to your comments.I totally agree with you but they were not posted. It was not pleasing to the webmaster therefore they we thrashed.

Please be reminded that accusations and hearsay will not be posted on this board. Respectful opinions will be posted. All others will not.

TB.Net has been in touch with BREDS directors and have had a conversation with the bank manager of the bank which holds the account for the ambulance fund. We have been assured this is a separate account and the only deductions made to that account was to reimburse the two persons who have asked for their donations to be reimbursed.

We have sent emails and posted a message on this site informing all donors of the current situation and if they would like their donation reimbursed to them BREDS would be happy to accommodate them.

For those of you who have not donated any funds but are concerned about this situation we encourage you to start your own fund raising and campaign to bring an ambulance to Treasure Beach and to maintain it. Please research the costs of purchasing the ambulance, importing it to Jamaica, dealing with the legalities and taxes of bringing the ambulance in, contacting Digicel, etc. and asking them for thousands of dollars, hiring persons to work the ambulance, etc. etc. We've always encouraged persons who feel they can do better to indeed pick up the baton and do it. We are sure that if you show BREDS how well your efforts are going they will be happy to join forces to get an ambulance back in Treasure Beach.

The bottom line is, BREDS has experience and hard numbers on the cost to maintain an ambulance. They found out when operating the last ambulance that it was not easy and more costly than they had anticipated as maintaining an ambulance is much different than maintaining a regular vehicle. They found out that a volunteer work force did not work out and that many times when the ambulance was called to come by the time a driver was located, got the ambulance and responded to the call it could be 30 minutes or more later. They then hired someone to work on the ambulance but, of course, that is expensive even with hiring out the ambulance. The fact is this is a small community and the need for a private ambulance to be hired is not frequent enough to defray the costs of running the ambulance. And speaking of that, we tend to forget that Treasure Beach is a small community and we are a community in Jamaica. How many communities of this size in England, Canada or America have their own ambulance? It would, of course, be great to have our own ambulance. No one will argue with that. But the reality is this is a major on-going expense for a community of this size. And again, be reminded that when BREDS literally drove up and down the streets, knocking on doors and asking for donations to the ambulance fund, there were very few community members who gave. This is a community based on neighbor helping neighbor. When someone is sick they depend on family, neighbor or friend to carry them to the doctor or hospital. This is the reality of the situation. So although many persons coming in to this community or visiting may feel an ambulance is needed, the reality is many living in this community don't agree. Again, please do not misconstrue what we are saying. An ambulance would be wonderful!! But reality is an ambulance for this small community is costly.

In conclusion, if we all put effort into coming up with constructive ideas on how to acquire and maintain an ambulance instead of continually trying to tear down the only organization in the community which has even attempted to bring one in, don't you think that is a better solution for all? BREDS isn't perfect, none of us are, but they continue to try. What are you doing to help and not hinder the effort?

How about a roster of three or four volunteer drivers who would take it in turn to be on call, this would solve the problem of hiring drivers.

As was explained in the above posting a volunteer driver system was tried but it didn't work out which is why they had to hire someone.

Who in Treasure Beach makes $20,000 us per year? Tahnks for postingmy opinions Rebecca. I did not see them when i checked.

" staffing to work 24/7 (approx US$20,000)." Staffing indicates more than one person and 24/7. There would be a driver and someone to accompany the patient so minimum 2 persons.

I realize that the volunteer driver system was tried but didn't work. Could there not be something in between volunteers and full-time people?

As an example, there could be a list of perhaps six drivers who are qualified, but some may have other commitments when they are called. The available driver would be paid a set amount for a Black River run and a higher amount for a Mandeville run--and in either case--more if the run were during the night. The amount would need to be high enough to attract some good drivers--and make the work appealing to them.

I am not familiar with who in the community is trained to be with the patient and render assistance during the run. Hopefully there would also be a list of several qualified persons. Again, this person would also be paid a fair amount to perform such an important service.

Question: Assuming my idea (or a version of it) could work, can anyone suggest drivers and/or first-aid people to ride in the ambulance?

I am also curious if anyone thinks my idea has merit--and could perhaps add more or change my suggestion to make it better.

Karen, your idea is good in principle, but when someone needs an ambulance ride, you can't work a phone tree to find available people. And we both know that life in Jamaica is unpredictable enough.

Honestly, given the apparent fragility of an ambulance on Jamaican roads, better a well equipped pick-up truck with a covered cab and trained technicians with emergency gear. I don't see a volunteer method working, and suggest the investment in human resources and portable emergency gear more than an ambulance would be the way to go.

Sisterfire, you bring up some interesting points and ideas. Please expand on them if you would care to do so.

This is a forum for everyone interested in Treasure Beach, and I think it's a great place for people to suggest ideas. If others have suggestions, this is a great place to present them.

Sisterfire, what a great idea!

Surely a pickup with a bed cover, and a padded mattress, a defibulator, some oxygen, pulsoxometer, deluxe first aid equipment.

Then paid on call DRIVERS and paid on-call first responders trained in first aid.

Much much cheaper, still could save lives

There's a long road between Nothing and Everything. The object is to get to medical treatment in an emergency. This should not be impossible. A phone tree including volunteer drivers with reliable vehicles large enough for a person to lie in for the trip to Black River would solve part of the problem. Insurance is a must, but doable, with community fundraising.

I think sister fire has a great idea, a pick up truck can work! the point is to get to the hospital. I am visiting Treasure Beach. still don't know who to call in case of emergency. What are we telling our visitors, who do they call in case of emergency???.

I like that "long road between Nothing and Everything!" Many good ideas here!

Here are some findings around the Internet:

http://archive.coull.net/archive/index.cgi?p_=ambulance-vehicle

A used Toyota Hiace could run about $20K US to buy in Jamaica. But it's a familiar vehicle and folks know how to run and repair them. I've never tried to run a car in Jamaica, so others can say whether spare parts for such a popular model are an issue or not.

http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/documents/equipmentlist.pdf

Now, whether anyone would insure such a thing is another story...

I think Sisterfire's suggestion is worthy of development: "better a well equipped pick-up truck with a covered cab and trained technicians with emergency gear... investment in human resources and portable emergency gear more than an ambulance would be the way to go."
What is done in similar small communities globally?

Motorcycle ambulance?

http://www.motorbiketimes.com/feature/people/charity/feature-how-the-eranger-mot orcycle-ambulance-transformed-healthcare-in-rural-africa-$21383161.htm

Here is the link as the above link didn't work.

Some of these ideas seem very feasible.

Does anyone have any others?

It would make it a lot easier for BREDS if they had a list of viable options from which to select--and perhaps even enhance.

Is everyone content to go without an ambulance for Treasure Beach? Or have people merely "given up" the way important needs seem to be forgotten by the residents and stakeholders until something awful happens and a life is lost that could have been saved if we only the right resources?

Does BREDS have any intention to try to raise more funds for this purpose, assuming they insist the ambulance must be staffed on a 24/7 basis by paid personnel?

Is BREDS willing to consider other ideas--many of which have been presented here?