ST JOHN DAY 2009

1 JULY 2009

MESSAGE FROM DR CHEN SZE HUA

CHIEF COMMISSIONER
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE SINGAPORE

Principals, Teachers, St. John Ambulance Brigade Officers, Cadets, John Badgers and Students,

1.         Today is St. John Day and we are joining the entire St. John family in the Commonwealth to celebrate the birthday of the St. John movement. The St. John movement has more than 900 years of history. St. John helps the sick and the the injured regardless of nationality, status, race or religion. Our motto “For the Service of Mankind” constantly reminds us of our mission and of our role. In this fast changing world, we should be alert of the changes in the world as well as happenings around us so that we can always review our responsibilities and our vision.

2.         The past 2 months have been dramatic. Just 5 days before May Day, the world was stunned on 26 April 2009 by Influenza A (H1N1 – 2009) that hit Mexico. 

3.         The new Influenza A (H1N1) is a sober reminder that we cannot take things for granted. It showed us that the potential threat posed by a pandemic is very real, even in Singapore.  We have 315 confirmed cases as of 26 June 2009.  You must continually prepare yourselves and be ready to extend your service and assistance to your fellow human beings in need and in distress when required.

4.         The Brigade has an important task in teaching our members and officers the necessary First Aid knowledge and Nursing skills in emergency care and in various situations; and to provide more opportunities for our members and volunteers to be involved with the community that we reside in, work or grow up with.  

5.            Members and officers must update and upgrade yourselves in First Aid skills and knowledge, encourage your family, fellow pupils and friends to join us for first aid training. You should also seek opportunities, for example, to perform public duties, to put first aid skills into practice and not hesitating to come forward to provide first aid assistance.  Only with this sense of social commitment will we ensure Singapore remains our safe and secure home.

6.         The St. John movement exemplifies values and principles tried and tested over a long period. We are an organisation over 900 years old and established in Singapore over three quarter of a century ago. St. John promotes habits of obedience, discipline, self-respect, and reverence. Besides the teaching of first aid and home nursing, we organise healthy outdoor programmes and provide a balance of spiritual, physical, educational and social activities. Further, we involve our members in programmes such as anti-drug abuse, civil defence, energy and water conservation and public duty.  All these make up a worthy and commendable package. It is not only a good investment in your personal future, it will also help you to play your role more effectively as responsible citizens in the Singapore of tomorrow. For instance when called upon to organise and carry out a community service project, opportunities abound for our members to share experiences, highlight learning points, and make an analysis of what was well done and what areas needed improvement in an activity. Certainly there are also opportunities for much fun and laughter amidst serious learning. By all accounts, participation in the St. John movement contributes to many happy memories for members and officers when they recall their school days.

7.         On this note, I would like to wish all of you a happy and meaningful St. John Day.