Caribbean Medical Mission Lauded For 25 Years Of Service

The Caribbean Medical Mission (CMM) of New Jersey is being commended for 25 years of community and international outreach. 

The organisation was founded by a group of Jamaican doctors, who utilise their own resources to undertake annual medical missions to the Caribbean and Africa,  providing medical care to needy communities. 

At a fundraising gala marking the CMM’s 25th anniversary last weekend, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States (US), Her Excellency Audrey Marks, said that the organisation “demonstrates that the true spirit of generosity, compassion and care for others still abound despite the challenging economic times.” 

She noted that in Jamaica, the CMM has provided medical care to just over 22,000 persons with a monetary value of US$1.4 million, with an additional 20,000 patients seen in other Caribbean countries at a cost of US$1.3 million.  

“I am also aware that the CMM provides accessible health care to communities in need in the United States, as well as other parts of the world,” she said, noting that the organisation also serves areas in New Jersey and in Central and South America and beyond. 

Ambassador Marks said that the Government and people of Jamaica consider the CMM “to be a true friend of Jamaica and a valued partner in our development journey.”  

“Jamaica is proud of the partnership we have forged and look forward to another 25 years of helping the needy,” she noted. 

In his remarks, President of CMM, Dr. Winston Scott, said that “since 1996 our mission has continued to grow and impact the needs of the underserved throughout the Caribbean, Africa and right here in New Jersey”. 

He paid tribute to the founding members and early stewards of the organisation. 

“We are proud to honor Dr. Omar Bey, whose clinical skills and stellar career as a pulmonologist…has been an inspiration to many. In addition, our Community Service Award goes to one of our own, Joyce Lynch, who tirelessly continues to contribute to multiple medical missions each year,” Dr. Scott said. 

In addition to the annual missions, he said that the organisation has provided support to the Jamaican and Dominican cancer societies as well as medical equipment to its adopted clinic in Portland. 

Dr. Scott said that the CMM has expanded its community services in New Jersey through collaborations with the St. Michael Medical Center and Carewell Health, in addition to the provision of health and education fairs on men and women’s wellness and cancer awareness.