As St Vincent and the Grenadines observes its 45th anniversary of independence from Britain, on Sunday, the SVG Red Cross was celebrating one of its longest-serving current members.
The sense of national pride was heightened as Vincentian Dora James was honoured in Switzerland.
James, a Red Cross volunteer, was presented with the Henry Dunant Award by the Standing Commission of the International Federation of Red Cross Crescent Movement.
The award was announced in April.
James was recognised for her outstanding contribution to disaster management, first aid, education and acts of great devotion to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement at the level of her national society and beyond.
James has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for the last 54 years and has served in many capacities.
Thirteen volunteers from SVG were present in Switzerland to witness the ceremony even as St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society celebrates the 75th Anniversary of its service to humanity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“The SVG Red Cross wishes St. Vincent and the Grenadines a Happy Independence Day 2024 and urge all to remember, even as we celebrate, those whose lives have been touched in recent times by a disaster. Together, we are our first aid,” the society said in a press release.