St John Day 2010: Message from the Chief Commissioner
ST JOHN DAY 2010
30 JUNE 2010
MESSAGE FROM DR CHEN SZE HUA
CHIEF COMMISSIONER
ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE
Principals, Teachers, St John Ambulance Brigade Officers and Members, St John Badgers and Pupils
1. Today is St John’s Day and we are joining the entire St John Brigade Members and Badgers in all the Commonwealth countries of the world to celebrate the birth of the St John movement.
2. The St John Movement has more than 900 years of history. St John Ambulance Brigade helps the sick and injured regardless of nationality, race or religion. Our motto For the Service of Mankind constantly reminds us of our mission and role. In this rapidly changing world, we should take alignment from the changes taking place in the world, as well as the happenings around us to re-position our roles accordingly.
3. In Singapore, we enjoy peace and prosperity. We are free from natural disasters and calamities such as flood, earthquakes, typhoons or famine. However, we must always be prepared to extend our service and assistance to our fellow men and women in times of needs be it here or abroad. In the recent years, the Brigade has organised two humanitarian missions to Cambodia. The water supply in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, was in a filthy state of disrepair for years. Waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery and typhoid were common and claimed a heavy toll on residents, particularly children. We helped 280 families to build 5 deep wells. We also taught them first aid and provided medical check ups for the residents. This is an example of how we have acted in accordance to our motto For the Service of Mankind.
4. The St John Ambulance Brigade benefits greatly from the generosity and support from the community. The Brigade is also mindful of its responsibility towards the community. The conduct of regular workshops and awareness courses in first aid that cater to the heartlanders underscores our commitment to public duties. Our first aid syllabi are regularly updated and revised to meet the current needs, both at home and in the schools. We are supportive of the objective of the National First Aid Council under the Ministry of Health, to have at least one trained first-aider at home, in the school and at the workplace. I would like to appeal to all members of the St John Ambulance Brigade to help realise this objective by updating and upgrading yourself in first aid skill and knowledge. You can also do your part by encouraging family members and friends to join us in first aid training. Always seek out opportunities to volunteer your service to perform public duties and be forthcoming to render service to those in need of help.
5. The St John Movement provides opportunities for personal development, character building and leadership training. Our proficiency badges scheme offers members of the St John Ambulance Brigade the opportunities to learn new skills, to serve our community and to participate in international friendship programmes through the range of activities offered by the school units.
6. To the principals and teachers, I would like to pay tribute to all of you for the important role you play in preparing students to be all-rounders. Your strong support and commitment is a key attributing factor to the success of the St John activities. We value your partnership for the service of mankind.
7. Finally, I would like to wish one and all a Happy St John Day!