KINGSTON, Jamaica – Guardsman Group has welcomed home two employees who survived the recent fire and returned to Jamaica on Friday, August 7, following specialised medical treatment overseas.

In a release, the group shared that the employees arrived at Norman Manley International Airport at approximately 4:35 pm and were subsequently transported to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), where they will continue their treatment and recovery.

Recognising the severity of their injuries and the need for specialised treatment, Guardsman sought the expertise of Burns Victims International, drawing on the organisation’s expertise in burn care and recovery to help identify and coordinate access to specialised medical treatment overseas. Guardsman worked closely with the organisation and other partners to help facilitate the employees’ treatment and ensure they received the care they needed.

The Group also worked with Trinity Ambulance Services and relevant medical teams to coordinate the employees’ safe transfer and subsequent return to Jamaica.

“Guardsman worked closely with Burns Victims International, medical professionals and other partners to coordinate the specialised treatment and necessary arrangements for the employees overseas. The Group remained committed to ensuring that the employees had access to the care and resources required to support their recovery, while providing the necessary assistance throughout the process,” the release said.

Throughout their treatment overseas, Guardsman said it  maintained communication with those involved in their care and will  continue to provide support to the employees and their families.

Following their return to Jamaica, representatives of Guardsman have also engaged with the medical team at UHWI to support a smooth transition to local care and the continuation of their treatment and rehabilitation.

Executive Chairman of Guardsman Group, Kenneth Benjamin, expressed gratitude for the employees’ safe return.

“We are deeply grateful to have our colleagues safely back home. From the outset of this tragedy, our priority has been their wellbeing and ensuring they had access to the highest possible standard of care.

“Their return represents an important milestone; however, we recognise that their recovery journey continues. We will remain by their side, as well as that of their families, providing ongoing support throughout their treatment and rehabilitation.”

Benjamin also extended appreciation to all those who contributed to the employees’ care and recovery.

“This effort has required the dedication and cooperation of many individuals and organisations. We are sincerely grateful to Burns Victims International, Trinity Ambulance Services, the medical professionals who provided care overseas, UHWI, and all others who played a role in bringing our colleagues safely to this stage of their recovery,” said Benjamin.

“Guardsman Group’s response throughout the employees’ recovery has been guided by a fundamental principle: our people matter, and our responsibility to them does not end when the immediate crisis has passed.”

From mobilising assistance following the fire to supporting access to specialised overseas treatment and their return to Jamaica, Guardsman has remained committed to supporting the employees and their families throughout their recovery journey.

“As the two employees continue their recovery, the Group will remain in communication with their medical teams and families and will continue to provide appropriate support throughout the next stage of their rehabilitation. Our people come first. Our commitment continues,” Benjamin added.