 The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and in consultation with the local health institutions and health professionals, has coordinated a surgical and dental mission by the United States Military Medical Mission. This medical mission is scheduled to be undertaken in St. Lucia during the period Wednesday, March 8th to Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023. A similar mission was undertaken in 2019, where approximately 4,800 people were treated. Minor surgical and dental procedures and medication shall be provided without charge to residents of St. Lucia in need of these services. The minor surgical procedures being offered include removal of cysts and masses, hernia repair and trauma surgeries. These procedures will be carried out at the Owen King European Union Hospital. Persons who are interested in surgical procedures are advised to visit the health and wellness centres in the community during medical clinics for review and registration from January 23rd, 2023. Dental services which will be provided include extractions, fillings and dental hygiene related services. These procedures will be carried out at the La Claree Wellness Centre during the dates of the medical mission. Again, to ensure the required planning and coordination of this mission, individuals who wish to access these services through this mission are requested to visit the dental clinics at the nearest community wellness centres for pre-registration and scheduling. This can also be done from January 23rd, 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic placed tremendous pressures on our regular health services and many essential health services were affected due to the deadly outbreaks. This is yet another opportunity for people to access medical care and the Government of St Lucia welcomes this mission. Training will be provided and will include emergency medicine training, advanced cardiac life support, advanced trauma life support training among others. All visiting medical staff participating in the mission will be vetted as per legal requirements by the respective medical and dental, pharmacy, nursing and allied health councils. Practitioners who satisfy the requirements for licensing and registration will be authorized to practice on this mission. As we have done in the past, our national health practitioners will be working alongside the visiting volunteers. A register of patients seen will be kept and all cases will be referred to local professionals as necessary for follow-up. I urge those in need of these services to register. However, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will update you and provide more detailed information in the next few weeks. I thank you.