KINGSTON, Jamaica — Governor-general Sir Patrick Allen has expressed sincere gratitude to Japanese Ambassador Masanori Nakano for six new ambulances, which were presented to St John Ambulance of Jamaica, during a ceremony held on the lawns of King’s House on Wednesday.

He said the gift would compliment St John Jamaica’s existing fleet and strengthen its ability to respond and assist Jamaicans in a timely manner.

“This donation of ambulances is an immense boost on the occasion of the Order’s 116th year of service to Jamaica,” the Governor-General stated.

“Given our nation’s incidences of crime and accident rates, as well as our vulnerability to hurricanes and earthquakes, these ambulances will facilitate St John’s track record of being able to effectively render much-needed assistance, especially in emergency situations,” he said.

He applauded St John Ambulance for the wide impact of the work of its core of volunteers and cadets in many areas of Jamaica and described them as people who have “committed themselves to saving lives, minimising pain and promoting humanitarian and charitable ventures intended to relieve distress, suffering, sickness, and danger.”

Noting that Japan and Jamaica have enjoyed good bilateral relations since 1964, Sir Allen said the fleet of ambulances was another signal of the strengthening of those ties.

“This occasion is a clear indication of the great relations between our two nations and underscores the fact that, people of goodwill are those who think and act with a measure of understanding and concern for the well being of all.”

He commended Japan for its efforts to ensure that as a small island developing State, Jamaica has the capacity and capability to react in instances of emergency.

The Governor-General also urged St John to continue building and improving its effectiveness through the upgrading and training of volunteers in the medical field.

The ambulances were provided, retrofitted and shipped to Jamaica at a cost of J$8.4 million.