Launch of LAMAT 2025 Medical Mission in Guyana

Earlier today, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United States Embassy, hosted an opening ceremony for the U.S. Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) at the Ministry’s Conference Room. 

The LAMAT team will be in Guyana for two weeks (March 31 to April 11, 2025), providing medical assistance and delivering high-quality medical, surgical, ophthalmological, and dental care. These services will be offered at the Port Mourant Hospital, the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and the Cheddi Jagan Dental School. 

Delivering the feature address, the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, emphasised the importance of expanding the mission beyond Georgetown. “One of the things that we were constantly talking about is how to expand this mission beyond Georgetown to other Regions of Guyana. I’m very pleased that we’ve extended to Region 6, and we’ll be in Region 3, and of course here in Region 4″, Minister Dr Anthony expresed. 

He further highlighted that the collaboration has significantly strengthened the healthcare capacity, particularly in areas like vascular surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, and general surgery, allowing healthcare professionals to learn new techniques and enhance their skills. 

In her remarks, Adrienne Galanek, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, underscored the significant investment in the mission, stating that “this regional initiative will utilise and provide over $1 million in medical supplies alone and offer invaluable medical services.” 

ttendance were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Malcolm Watkins; Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Mr Robbie Rambarran; Command Surgeon of U.S. Air Forces Southern, Colonel Brian Gavitt; Command Surgeon of U.S. Southern Command, Colonel Brian H. Neese; and other officials. 

LAMAT Commander, Colonel James Bershinsky, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the mission’s collaborative approach, and their dedication to working alongside Guyanese healthcare professionals to provide essential medical care while strengthening long-term partnerships in the region. 

Among those in attendance were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Malcolm Watkins; Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Mr Robbie Rambarran; Command Surgeon of U.S. Air Forces Southern, Colonel Brian Gavitt; Command Surgeon of U.S. Southern Command, Colonel Brian H. Neese; and other officials.