US med students help Kingston's indigent

Medical students from the Nova Southeastern University, along with other local groups yesterday offered free, well-needed medical assistance to scores of indigents gathered at the Samaritan Inn in Kingston.

"It is always a privilege to serve and give back. It's really an honour to be able to take someone who is downtrodden and depressed and get them back on their feet," said Phillip Castel, communications director of the Adventist-laymen's Services Industries (ASI).

Castel told The Gleaner that he was really motivated by his Christian morals and principles, as he believed it was the duty of the Church to impact the world and bring about positive changes.

"As Christians, we are followers of God, and it is a commission from the Lord that we should care for the poor and needy," he said.

Castel has been involved in charity for more than two years and finds it very rewarding to be able to impact the lives of the less fortunate in a positive way.

Similarly, Maya Thomas Ellis, a physician assistant of the university, said giving back to her community has always been her passion.

"Just the look on their faces and the love that you get of how grateful they are and to hear them say, 'Thank you' is really a fulfilling experience," Thomas Ellis said.

Giving back to country

She also said she takes pleasure in visiting the Caribbean as, being a native of Trinidad, it was an opportunity for her to give back to her country of birth.

Norma Smith, a 69-year-old diabetic patient, joyfully expressed how grateful she was for the assistance she received.

"I am very grateful for the help. Sometimes wi get a cup a soup and it warm us up very well and today mi deh ya a check mi sugar," she said.

Eighty-year-old Beryl Ward shared the same sentiments about how appreciative she was. She is also a diabetic patient and said the health fair had assisted her greatly.

"Bwoy, di check-up ya mek mi feel like mi can mek it. Mi jus a trust in the Lord," the faith-driven woman shared.

Donald Duncan, who gave free dental care at the medical health fair, has also been giving back for more than 10 years. He finds it very rewarding and thinks the reward and the reception he gets are far greater than any monetary return.

"I think I was born with a passion for charity and the feeling that I feel is superb," he said.

Duncan is a student at the Nova Southeastern University, specialising in dental care.

- Jodi-Ann Gilpin