00:00At the closing ceremony of the U.S. military veterinary and dental training exercises in
00:05Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamala Pesad-Besessa and the delegation were joined
00:10by the recently appointed charge d'affaires for the U.S. Embassy, Philip Kern.
00:15This occasion marks my first public event alongside the Honorable Prime Minister.
00:25It's especially fitting that it takes place here at an exercise dedicated to the health
00:31and well-being of the Trinibugonian people.
00:35This is what the partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago looks like at
00:39its best.
00:40Not just words, but actions.
00:43Prime Minister Pesad-Besessa acknowledged the top-level diplomat in expressing gratitude
00:47on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago as she congratulated the U.S. on its 250th independence anniversary
00:54on July 4th.
00:55To our partners from the United States, again, thank you for your friendship, for your generosity
01:01and your unwavering commitment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
01:06Together we have demonstrated that when nations collaborate, we can strengthen healthcare systems,
01:12we can build institutional capacity and improve the lives of all our people.
01:18May this partnership, sir, Mr. Sharjee, continue to flourish for many years to come as we work
01:25together to build healthier communities, stronger institutions and a more secure and prosperous
01:32future for both our nations.
01:34Mr. Kern said the dental training exercise was conducted through the U.S. Southern Command's
01:39humanitarian assistance program with the Ministry of Health.
01:43From July 6th to July 10th, military dental professionals are working side-by-side with
01:49Ministry of Health personnel to provide dental examinations, extractions and oral health education
01:55to approximately 60 patients across five public health facilities.
02:02Among those who attended the closing ceremony at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex
02:06in Mount Hope on Friday were NCRHA Chairman Dr. Tim Gopi Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Health
02:13Dr. Richard Sitcharan and Health Minister Dr. Lacram Boudo.
02:17This humanitarian mission, therefore, provides an opportunity to deliver essential dental services,
02:23including examinations, cleanings, fillings and extractions, to individuals who may have
02:30been waiting for care or who face barriers to accessing treatment.
02:34For many patients, today's visit will mean immediate relief from pain.
02:39For others, it will restore the ability to eat comfortably, to return to work or simply
02:45smile with confidence once again.
02:47The health minister said his ministry is also working on advancing oral health care.
02:52And Prime Minister, there might be a surprise in the budget for you this year.
02:56There will be a new line item on the dental services because I know in your manifesto and
03:03in government policy, you're focused on that area of dental care.
03:07So, of course, I see Minister Sitcharan and his smile, and being a dentist himself, he's looking
03:11forward to that.
03:11Prime Minister Pasal Bisesa spoke about the other elements of the US-led program.
03:15Over the course of this week, I am told, and it was confirmed, I think, but all of you
03:21speaking, over Trinidad and Abega, across our island, our citizens benefited from essential
03:28dental services.
03:30And I'm told there was a parallel veterinary engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture
03:35and Fisheries, reflecting our shared commitment to the One Health approach, recognizing the health
03:41health of people, animals, and our environment, are inextricably linked.
03:47From emergency preparedness for livestock diseases to rabies awareness, vaccination outreach, and
03:54firm lever engagement, these initiatives reinforce the importance of a collaboration in building
04:01healthier and more resilient communities.
04:04The U.S. Embassy said the U.S. $38,000 U.S. military, veterinary, and dental training exercises
04:12were done in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
04:19Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
