In what is described as ” a powerful demonstration of international collaboration and service to humanity”, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth (RCP) and Medical Ministry International (MMI), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services and the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH), successfully concluded the 2025 RCP MMI Eye Surgery Medical Mission.
The Club shared through a press release that the initiative was launched under the patronage of Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton and has left a lasting mark on the lives of Dominicans. The mission restored vision to 80 individuals who were previously legally blind, partially blind, or fully blind due to cataracts.
Over the course of two weeks, patients received cataract surgeries, a medical achievement that also symbolized a profound restoration of their independence, dignity, and hope, says the Club.
“Each patient’s story is a testament to the transformative power of care and collaboration” continued the statement.
McMarara Joseph, President of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, recounted, “An elderly man arrived at the clinic unable to see the chair before him or navigate the room without help. Upon returning for his checkup the following day, he walked out unassisted. Another patient, upon regaining sight, joyfully recognized a familiar voice, exclaiming, ‘Sammy, you that there?’ These are not just medical outcomes—they are moments of reconnection, renewal, and rebirth.”
The Rotary Club acknowledges that the success of this mission was made possible through the unwavering dedication of numerous partners:
– Hon. Cassanni Laville, Minister of Health, Wellness and Social Services, along with the team from the Ministry, facilitated all necessary approvals and ensured smooth coordination throughout the mission.
– Ms. Nancy Francis, CEO of DCFH, and Dr. Donald C. Peters, President of the Dominica Hospitals Authority, provided steadfast leadership and oversaw the exemplary service delivered by the medical and administrative teams at the Brenda Strafford Foundation Eye Center.
– The outstanding medical volunteers from Medical Ministry International, including Dr. Barbara Skinner, Dr. Ralph Crew, and Dr. Dan, who made Dominica the first new mission country in over a decade. Their compassion and expertise were the driving force behind every successful procedure.
– The Rotary Club of Portsmouth, with local coordination led by Past Assistant Governor (AG) Sammy Wyke, McMarara Joseph, and Vice President and Projects Chair Lizra Fabien, ensured the mission was meticulously executed on the ground.
– The Rotary Club of Dominica and supporters of previous vision initiatives, notably VOSH, whose 30-year legacy of eye care laid the foundation for this mission’s success.
This mission continues the broader legacy of service established by the Rotary Club of Portsmouth and its partners, announced the Club.
The press release also outlined their diverse projects including refurbishing the emergency room at Portsmouth Hospital, distributing thousands of devices to students during the pandemic, training and supporting beekeepers, providing citrus plants to northern farmers, and installing playgrounds in schools.
“The success of the Eye Surgery Medical Mission reaffirms our belief that strategic partnerships—rooted in service and shared purpose—can transform lives,” declared the statement.
Mr. Joseph expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “We extend our deepest gratitude to the patients and their families, whose strength and trust made this mission meaningful. We also thank the people of Dominica, the medical fraternity, and the countless volunteers and supporters—both local and international—who brought this initiative to life. Together, we see a brighter Dominica.”
