The Red Cross Aruba made it known on its FB page last evening that the Carnival Foundation, SMAC, never contacted them for medical services along the parade route tonight for the Torch Parade and that another improvised organization has been hired.
It raises a lot of questions, doubts about the ability of an inexperienced ad hoc organization to handle the event, with up to 20.000 people, dancing and drinking in the street, did they mobilize sufficient personnel? The Red Cross code of conduct and ethics does NOT allow this hiring of Red Cross volunteers outside of the Red Cross organization framework, so who did they hire?
The volunteers of the red cross all have the necessary first aid and EMR certification, will an ad hoc organization be able to replace that invaluable training?
Why fix something that ain’t broke?
Why did the Carnival Foundation deviate from an established, well-oiled protocol?
We have been proud of the Red Cross that for decades handled all parades, days and nights, with professionalism and care.
Why were they NOT contacted to assume their traditional role in Carnival 2023.
We have many questions.
The Red Cross service were free to the public.
Will the ad hoc organization charge??
My media friends report: Safeguarding public order, security and physical well-being of large events and large crowds is a responsibility by law of the Minister of General Affairs and the Minister of Justice.
The Korps Politie Aruba and an entity charged with first aid and EMR are responsible for discharging of such duties.
Red Cross/Red Crescent International is the most experienced, professional and best equipped entity and is used almost by default for large public events.
In Aruba SMAC has chosen to deviate from this and has awarded a contract to another organization which will use paid staff.
The public safety and physical well-being of all local citizens and foreign visitors attending carnival events is a responsibility of the Government of Aruba and must have a clear chain of command, well-coordinated, with adequate, certified or authorized bodies and or persons fulfilling well defined duties.
In all of this transparency and accountability are paramount and liabilities must be duly defined and prepared for.
This is not the case for the current setup for the Fakkel Optocht event to take place Saturday, January 7, 2023.
Ad hoc: Used to describe something that has been formed or used for a special and immediate purpose, without previous planning.
