Guyanese President Welcomes Continuing Promise 2010

By Cpl. Alicia Giron, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Continuing Promise 2010 Public Affairs

BERBICE, Guyana (NNS) -- Distinguished leaders welcomed Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10) to Berbice, Guyana, at an opening ceremony held outside of the Berbice Regional Health Authority Oct. 19.

Guyanese President H.E. Bharret Jagdeo, U.S. Chief of Mission Tom Pierce, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and other key leaders helped commence the 10-day humanitarian civic assistance mission.

Jagdeo said that continued relations between the two countries has been "very beneficial to the people of the country" and cited decreasing AIDS as a specific positive result.

"We are happy you are here and that you are focused on health care. We are training more doctors but we still need a helping hand," said Jagdeo.

While in Guyana, the CP10 team is offering five medical sites, open on different days, at local schools and hospitals capable of providing a wide range of health services. The primary site is located in Rosehall and is open until Oct. 26. These services include general surgery completed on board USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), basic medical evaluation, dental screening and treatment, optometry care and health education. Free general surgical screenings were conducted at the primary medical site Oct. 19 and will be conducted again Oct. 22. No prior screenings are required.

In addition to medical sites, CP10 is also providing three engineering sites, a community relations event and roving preventative medicine and veterinarian teams.

"Though we bring doctors, and dentists, veterinarians and engineers, what we really bring is a message of commitment and partnership," said Capt. Thomas M. Negus, commodore, CP10. "A message best born out through our actions and deeds; our sweat and effort will be our testimony to the strength of our partnership in the spirit of our common humanity and with the ideal of building a better community."

CP10 is an annual mission dedicated to bringing medical, dental, engineering and civic action assistance to host nations in Latin, Caribbean and South America. This year's mission is supported by Iwo Jima, service members from every branch of the military, including a Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force and New Harmony Air Force Band of Flight, international military professionals and non-governmental organizations.