2007 Speeches

September 12, 2007

Dr. Roy L. Austin
United States Ambassador
Press Conference to Launch USNS Comfort
Ministry of Health

The Honorable John Rahael, Minister of Health; Other officials of the Ministry of Health; Distinguished members of the media; Other distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Good morning!

I am very pleased and proud to be here today to announce the visit of the hospital ship the USNS Comfort to Trinidad and Tobago from Sunday, September 16 through Friday, September 22 as part of our Partnership for the Americas mission.  That mission has taken the USNS Comfort to nine countries in the region to date, and I am happy that Trinidad and Tobago is its next destination.

During the ship's six-day stay in Port of Spain, the medical crew of more than 500 military and civilian doctors, nurses and health care professionals will provide medical care and training free of charge to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.  They will perform a variety of operations in the specialties of eye surgery, pediatric orthopedics, oral surgery and dermatology, among others, at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and the Arima hospital.  In addition to providing medical services, a construction battalion from the ship will perform maintenance work at the Moulton Hall Methodist Elementary School.  

May this visit to Trinidad and Tobago be productive and beneficial to all.

Thank you.