Jersey’s Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey, visited Eastern Poland on Wednesday to follow up Jersey’s humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine.
In a warehouse near the border, she inspected medical trauma kits and oxygen concentrators like the ones which Jersey has already sent to the front lines. Jersey Overseas Aid’s partner, Crown Agents, has procured 4,000 trauma kits and 150 Kevlar vests and helmets for doctors, in addition to delivering the Health and Community Services Department’s donation of 200 oxygen concentrators.
Minister Carolyn Labey also met Father Piotr Potyrala from Caritas Rzeszow, which has received the donations of goods collected by Islanders in the first days of the war. Some of these items have been distributed to refugees in Poland, and some sent on to Kyiv.
Jersey Overseas Aid has now provided over £1.8m in assistance to Ukraine, including over £600,000 donated by the public to the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal. More details of this support can be found at www.JOA.je/bailiffs-Ukraine-appeal
Minister Carolyn Labey commented: “It’s a humbling experience to meet ordinary Ukrainians who have displayed such extraordinary courage and resilience as well as the wonderful people assisting them. I’m so proud of our Island for the outpouring of support.” Deputy Carolyn Labey also attended a coordination meeting of UN Agencies and received a briefing from the General commanding the US 82nd Airborne Division.
Minister Carolyn Labey’s monitoring visit followed the Chief Minister’s own trip to Poland earlier in the week to inspect sustainable housing solutions for Jersey. He used the opportunity to meet with the country Representative of the UN’s refugee agency, a close Jersey Overseas Aid partner, and to visit a ‘Blue Dot’ refugee reception centre supported by the Island.
