KINGSTON, Jamaica — Project manager of Sanmerna Foundation, Stephen Josephs, the local organisation that played a vital role in the airlifting of Adrianna Laing to the US, said the teen will receive immediate attention upon arrival.

Laing is the 13-year-old survivor of Sunday’s house fire that left her three younger brothers dead.

The teen was accompanied on the Trinity Air Ambulance flight to the US by the ambulance medical team and Josephs earlier this evening.

Josephs said he will remain with the teen through her treatment at the Joseph M Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital of Augusta — the largest burn centre in the US.

“When she arrives at the hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, a surgical team is awaiting her to begin treatment,” explained Josephs.

READ: Young Westmoreland fire victim on her way to US for treatment

The Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, who was integral in garnering the support of the Jamaican Diaspora, said while this is not the first time his office has come to the assistance of Jamaicans, this was “unique in terms of short space of time and getting all together.”

READ: Father of burnt teen appeals for funds to airlift her to US

In the past, the Consul General had assisted over 2500 Jamaicans who were stranded in the US during the closure of borders as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Consul General Mair said the outcome is a proud moment for the team.

“We are happy for the recent developments and we are happy that we are able to assist with such a touching situation,” stated Mair, who added, “We wish all the very best for this young lady as she goes on her journey for further treatment.”

The air ambulance was made possible following an impassioned plea by her father, Adrian on Wednesday for Jamaicans and the Diaspora’s assistance in paying for the air ambulance service which costs US$39,872.50.

Since then Devon House; Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Roach Wilson and Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair have all played their part in ensuring the target was met.

“This is the type of pouring where we pull together hence we are a people who can rally together and make something happen in a short period of time,” stated Mair.

Meanwhile, Josephs expressed appreciation to the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland; the University of the West Indies; Jamaica’s Consul General to New York Alsion Roach Wilson; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson Smith; Minister of Education Fayval Williams and the Child Development Agency.

The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency; the Member of Parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Western, Morland Wilson; Jamaicans locally and in the Diaspora; the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the media were also on the long list.

– Anthony Lewis