Captain Barrington Irving Jr delivers medical supplies, equipment

Jamaica-born pilot Captain Barrington Irving Jr and his non-profit Experience Aviation team, in partnership with Florida-based Memorial Healthcare System and the Buju Banton Foundation, have delivered more than 100,000 pounds of medical supplies to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Irving, recognised by Guinness World Records as the first Black man and youngest person to fly solo around the world, piloted a Boeing 737-800 cargo jet from South Florida to Jamaica on two flights, November 10 and 11.

“This is my homeland; the soil that I was born on. I wanted to ensure that the people of Jamaica receive the necessary medical supplies that they need to recover from the devastating effect of Hurricane Melissa,” Irving said.

He said the priority was to get supplies into the hands of those most in need. “This is an ongoing effort, and we will be making several trips, so that those affected will get the help that they need,” he added.

Experience Aviation has previously delivered more than half a million pounds of humanitarian aid during crises including Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Dr Dahlia Blake and Dr JeAnne Beaufort of Memorial Healthcare System, who travelled with the team, said hospital and community partners mobilised quickly. The supplies included laboratory equipment, vital-sign monitors, examination tables, gloves, IV poles, EKG machines, power banks, infant-care items and basic patient-care equipment.

“It has been an amazing partnership. The supplies include medical equipment, general construction and general items and supplies. I am a native of Jamaica, and we decided that it is important for us to give back to the country through our health care system. The overwhelming support is more than we could ask for,” Blake said.

Beaufort added: “We have food, we have infant supplies, diapers, wipes, we have healthcare machines and power banks, EKG machines. The equipment is crucial for clinics and hospitals left damaged or without power.”

Blake said she hoped the support would reach the hardest-hit communities. “This is a mission of hope in addition to a mission of relief, recovery, and hopefully to make a comeback stronger and even better,” she said.

Trinidadian Olympian Ato Bolden also joined the effort. “I knew Captain Irving would want to assist and I reached out to him, and told him I wanted to contribute as well. I am happy to assist the team in getting much needed supplies here so that Jamaican can get back on track,” Bolden said.

Jamaican-American athlete Briana Williams said she could not pass up the opportunity to help. “There is so much help that is needed. Over the next few months, we know that Jamaican will get the help it needs to recover. This week I will be partnering with the Ashley Martin Foundation to assist with recovery efforts for the parishes of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland,” she said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com