by Barbara M. Simpson
New York, NY – Despite the gusts of blistery winds, those invited to the unveiling of a Mobile Health Clinic Bus, which was donated by Vincent HoSang of Caribbean Food Delights to Roy Streete, D.D.S., Founder and Chairman of The Organization for International Development, came to witness the historic event on Friday, December 2. The unveiling was held on the premises of Caribbean Food Delights in Tappan, NY.
Master of Ceremony for the program, which was interspersed with light banter and laughter, was Reverend Canon Calvin McIntyre. Before the main event began, everyone feasted on the sumptuous meal, which was provided, compliments of JerkQ’Zine Caribbean Grille. Stephen Souza sang one stanza of each of the National Anthems of the United States of America and of Jamaica.
Welcome remarks were given by Kitson Blissett, President of O.I.D. who said, “fifteen years ago along with Jean Streete, Dr. Streete’s wife, an idea they had that they wanted to take dental health to the innermost parts of the parishes in Jamaica germinated and grew, insomuch so, that each year the Organisation goes to Jamaica twice yearly and in recent years they have spread their wings and have gone to Ghana and Ethiopia once per year. The volunteers who are involved in the O.I.D. are medical and dental professionals. They plan their work schedule to be able to take off time to travel and serve the sick.”
Consul-General Dr. Basil K. Bryan gave a stirring speech. “I like to remember the words of Psalm 137 verse 1 and instead of saying ‘we remembered Zion,’ I change the Zion to Jamaica because Jamaicans leave Jamaica not to forget Jamaica but to help Jamaica.” “Who could know that a man coming from the far recesses of Jamaica would one day make a dream realized? It is true that when you do good it will be remembered. Some may not, but others will remember.” My association with Dr. Streete began while I was in Washington and when I came to New York I became acquainted with him and my fellow Jamaicans. My association with the HoSang dynasty has grown and I am always amazed at how much he does for others. Little things mean a lot and if we magnify all the little things in our lives we would be surprised how they become great.” “Based on the blessings we receive, we should do something to help the children, the sick or someone because it says in St. Matthew 25 verse 40b, ‘Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me.’ I think we are shortchanging our blessings when we ignore this important commandment.”
“I want to thank all the volunteers of the O.I.D.who are here today for your dedication to the cause. The more you do, the more you will be asked to do because God’s blessings will always be on you. Remember that a person’s character is the choice you make and the promises you keep. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica we thank you for all you do and continue to do.”
Roy Streete, “Dr. Bryan has been helping us since he was in Washington and we were ‘green’ and unheard of in Jamaica, by making telephone calls so we would not waste precious time at customs. This has been a dream and now this dream has come true. Mr. HoSang, I must thank you for all your help, your generosity. Everytime we go to Jamaica we have to borrow the Cancer Society’s bus but now we can be independent and get much more done with this state-of-the-art bus. We can tackle some serious health issues in Western Jamaica, where we learnt that there is an increase in heart disease.” “The bus is fully air-conditioned with medical and dental offices.” Streete held up the paper of entitlement and was applauded.
Vincent HoSang, “On behalf of my wife and family I just want to thank you all for coming to this event. Over 27 years ago when my wife and I started our mom and pop chicken store, I know it was our own Jamaicans whose support enabled us to reach where we are today.
I was timid when we acquired this property but I know that the more you do the more you will be asked to do because God’s blessings will always be on you. Dr. Roy Streete and the volunteers are the ones who do all the work.” “I am happy that two of Father Richard HoLung’s missionaries are here with us for this auspicious occasion and providing the music. It is very prophetic that Dr. Bryan should quote St. Matthew 25 verse 40 because that is Father HoLung’s favourite verse.” “Dr. Streete this is just the beginning.”
HoSang introduced his family, Simone, a food nutritionist who is hardly seen, Damian, an engineer at Royal Caribbean Bakery, Bryan who is still in school studying marketing and Sabrina who is the Operations Manager at Caribbean Food Delights. Mrs. Jeanette HoSang, President of Royal Caribbean Bakery added her thanks to all present and said she was grateful “for your continued support over the years.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and the blessing of the Mobile Clinic were performed by Canon McIntyre and one of Father HoLung’s missionaries after which those who could withstand the cold toured the Bus under the direction of Vincent HoSang who knows every inch of it. In closing this pleasant evening, coram populo Vincent HoSang handed over the keys to the O.I.D. Mobile Health Clinic to Dr. Roy Streete.
