Origins

Fundamental
Principles
Humanity
Impartiality
Neutrality
Independence
Voluntary
Service
Unity
Universality

The Red Cross in Guyana

The International
Committee of
Red Cross

The International
Federation of
Red Cross and
Red Crescent
Societies

Red Cross in the
Caribbean

The Red Cross began with the actions and ideas of one man, Henry
Dunant, a Swiss businessman who in 1859 organized townspeople
to care for thousands of soldiers wounded at the battle of Solferino
between Austrian and Franco-Sardinian armies. Dunant was
haunted by the suffering he witnessed and 3 years later he published
a book about this experience (A memory of Solferino) that
proposed a neutral society of civilian volunteers to be trained for
providing such medical assistance.

With four other people in Geneva, Dunant formed a committee and
invited other European countries to join together. Representatives
of 16 countries met in 1863 and the international Red Cross was
born. There are now 175 national societies in almost every country
in the world and more than 250 million volunteers unified by service
to the same humanitarian principles.

The Red Cross emblem of a red cross on a white background was
developed to ensure protection of Red Cross workers maintaining
neutral presence in battlefields and in hostile situations. Since the
late 19th century, some Eastern European, Asian and Islamic
countries have used a red crescent symbol instead of a red cross.
All national societies have the same status within the movement.

Although the initial focus of the Red Cross & Red Crescent
movement was on helping the medical needs of wounded soldiers,
the role of national societies has expanded in many ways in this
century. Helping people with immediate medical and basic needs in
times of crisis and disaster remains a priority, but more emphasis is
being placed on related services such as safety training, public
health and youth services. Central to all these activities are the
seven fundamental principles which form the basis for the Red
Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Fundamental Principles

Humanity

The International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to
bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield,
endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate
human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and
health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual
understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all
peoples.

Impartiality

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or
political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being
guided solely by their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases of
distress.

Neutrality

In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not
take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political,
racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence

The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in
the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of
their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they
may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the
Movement.

Voluntary Service

It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for
gain.

Unity

There can only be one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one
country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work
throughout its territory.

Universality

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all
Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in
helping each other, is worldwide.



The Red Cross in Guyana

1948 Red Cross comes to Guyana as a branch of the British Red
Cross

1967 Guyana Red Cross Society founded as independent from
the British.



1968 Aug 8 Recognized by ICRC
Sep 5 Accepted as part of Federation

In the years that followed many Red Cross programs have
bloomed and faded as need dictated.

The David Rose School for the Handicaped was opened by the
Guyana Red Cross Society as well as a Blood Service, both of
which are no longer under their direct influence.

The decline of the economy of Guyana and resulting migration also
had its effects on this organization making the service more critical
and challenging to those that remained.