The said decision according to reports saw the sacking of the Society’s Western Area Branch’s (WAB) Manager, Unisa Carew and also armed police officers terrorizing, beating and manhandling Volunteers at the Branch recently.
Reports say the ugly development came following the announcement of the decision by the National Office to sack the Branch Manager.
Unisa Carew was the team lead for Volunteers who gave Red Cross Standby First Aiding at the Sierra Leone Vs Liberia match played recently at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown.
After the match, angry spectators dissatisfied with Zangaylay’s penalty miss, attacked the first aiders and the Red Cross Ambulance was badly damaged.
Back to the office, reports went on, Carew officially reported the incident to the National Office and a query was set up on him.
Outcome of the query led to Carew’s suspension and this, volunteers saw unhealthy and unanimously agreed on a sit down strike.
Worryingly, if nothing is done by the government and relevant authorities to address this ugly development, the country’s Blood Bank will be affected, as a good percentage of voluntary blood donors are Red Cross volunteers who are part of the ongoing strike action.
Also, the risk of running activities desiring red cross voluntary first aiding, such as national matches and activities will be eminent.
“Reinstate Unisa Carew now and see us doing our voluntary services again to our nation,” a Volunteer told this writer last evening in Freetown.
