BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has emphasized the importance of the health sector towards the socio-economic development of the twin island Federation as this year’s two -week edition of the United States Air Force Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) programme was launched here on Sunday.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew (left) greeting U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Barry Davis, general surgeon and LAMAT 2026 mission commander at the launch of the programme.“To the medical professionals here, you may not always see the long-term impact of your work, but the lives you touch, even in a short period can create lasting change. A single procedure, a single diagnosis, a single act of care can influence generations,” said Prime Minister Drew, himself a medical practitioner.
“Health is security … health is national security. Small states are strengthened by strong partnerships and trusted friends,” he added.
The mission is conducted in coordination with the Barbados-based US Embassy, the St. Kitts and Nevis government and the authorities here say it reinforces a whole-of-government approach to regional health security and disaster preparedness.
The two-week long mission will allow 60 airmen, including biomedical equipment technicians, audiologists, dentists, dieticians and various medical and support specialists, to work alongside their Ministry of Health counterparts at hospitals and clinics across the Federation.
This year’s programme, marks the start of the third health security cooperation engagement together and reaffirms a shared commitment to medical readiness, partnership and regional resilience.
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy, Karin Sullivan, said “this collaboration between United States Southern Command, medical professionals and our partner nations underscore the depth of our commitment to one another.
“The enduring bonds fostered by LAMAT are a powerful reflection of the ties that unite our nations. Over the next few weeks, you will combine your unique skills, overcome challenges and build friendships.”
After participating in the first LAMAT engagement two years ago, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Barry Davis, general surgeon and LAMAT 2026 mission commander, said he is looking forward to leading and learning this time around.
“I stand here today in two roles, an Airman and a surgeon. Soon the ceremony will end, and the real work will begin. Over the next two weeks, I won’t be observing this mission from a distance, I’ll be standing next to many of you, caring for patients, solving problems, and learning together.
“Every patient we treat, every technique we exchange, and every conversation we have contributes to readiness, not just for the United States, but for all of us. For our U.S. Airmen, this sharpens expeditionary medical skills in real-world conditions; for our host-nation partners, it’s an opportunity to collaborate, exchange best practices, and reinforce healthcare capabilities that serve communities every day,” Davis said.
“But more than that, LAMAT is personal It’s about the bond between healthcare professionals who share the same commitment—to care for people when they need it most,” he said, adding ”this mission is not about one nation providing care to another. It is about professionals working side by side, sharing experience, building trust, and strengthening systems that matter long after we leave”.
The United States Embassy said this year the engagement will focus on key medical areas including primary care, dentistry, audiology, emergency medicine, and preventive health services.
