STARTING Tuesday, Christ Church in Montclair, New Jersey will provide medical clinics and leadership seminars in Savanna-la-Mar, St Elizabeth and Kingston.

Over the next 10 days, they will work in conjunction with local schools, hospitals and churches to provide a long list of activities aimed at caring for both the body and soul.

Spearheading the event is Reverend David Ireland, a 40 year-old Jamaican native who is the senior pastor of the 3,500-member New Jersey church.

“Christ Church is continuously constructing biblically-based programs that will help solve problems affecting people everywhere,” said Reverend Ireland.

A team of ministry staff and medical professionals will accompany him, including Dr Winsome Parchment who will lead the medical team.

Dr Parchment, who is also Jamaican by birth, is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and said she is eager to contribute to the healthcare needs of the Jamaican people.

“My team consists of qualified, well-trained and caring physicians in various specialties,” she said. “(It includes) nurses, surgical technicians, dentists and optometrists who have willingly dedicated their time and service to help those in need of medical attention. Our aim is to touch people’s lives in a caring and professional manner.”

Dr Parchment and her team will arrive with a shipment of donated medical supplies and medication valued at US$1.25 million (J$56.6 million). They will provide blood pressure screening, diabetic screening, general physical exams, chiropractic care, and dispense medications as needed.

Clinics will be held at:

* Central Tabernacle Deliverance Centre, Savanna-la-mar from March 12 to 15 during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,

* Lacovia Health Centre, March 13 and 14, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm,

* Burnt Savannah Health Centre, St Elizabeth, on March 18 and 19, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm,

* from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on March 15, at Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre in Kingston and again at the same location on March 16 between the hours of 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Reverend Ireland will conduct a series of leadership training seminars during the team’s 10-day visit.

“Effective leadership is essential for the success of any organisation, business or community,” Ireland said. “Undoubtedly, Jamaica has experienced significant changes over the past years, and the statistics of crime and poverty have become a gripping reality. A country of great possibilities, with some of the world’s most brilliant minds and best resources, it is conceivable that Jamaica is capable of producing the next generation of world-class leaders.”