PRESIDENT THANKS MERCY SHIP FOR SHOWING "HIGHEST VALUES"

A PRESIDENTIAL "THANK you" marked the arrival of one of the Mercy Ships medical missionary fleet on a first visit to the country, last month.

Dr. Armando Calderon Sol and his First Lady toured the Caribbean Mercy and spoke with members of the volunteer crew as the ship began a three-month stay in Puerto La Union. While in the country, staff are performing free eye, palate and foot surgeries, as well as running community health programs and drilling several fresh water wells.

The President visited the ship's bridge and onboard eye clinic, and thanked the crew for visiting his country. "You show us the highest values in life which are love, family and dignity," he said. "You are not only guests but teachers and examples for us all."

The President and his wife were presented with flowers and Bibles by children of some of the Caribbean Mercy crew. Ship's director Brett Curtis told the couple that the ship's visit had been made possible by the support and giving of people around the world.

The ship's El Salvadorian mission was born out of a visit to neighboring Guatemala, two years ago. The El Salvadorian ambassador visited the Caribbean Mercy and asked Curtis if the ship might bring its relief efforts to his country.

A former Scandinavian ferry, the Caribbean Mercy was bought by Mercy Ships - the maritime division of Youth With A Mission - in 1994. Since fitted with a high-tech eye surgery unit, the ship sails throughout Central America and the Caribbean. She is manned by 150 crew from over 20 countries.

(Photo available on request)

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