News Releases

UWI Students to Come Out and Give Blood

For Release Upon Receipt - March 12, 2009

St. Augustine


On Friday 13th March, 2009, the 1st Annual Sir Frank Worrell Blood Drive will take place at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This Blood Drive is being held in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and The University of Trinidad and Tobago. It is being held in honour of Sir Frank Worrell, one the Caribbean’s most iconic cricket players and the first black man to captain the West Indies.

The history of the blood drive dates back to an incident from the 1962 Indian cricket team’s tour of the West Indies. Then captain, Nariman Jamshedji "Nari" Contractor was injured in a match and required several blood transfusions and two emergency surgeries to save his life. Sir Frank Worrell volunteered to be the first blood donor, in a move that crossed several of the cultural and racial lines of that time. In recognition of this act, since 1980, the state of West Bengal India has held an annual blood donation day in Sir Frank’s name.

Former Indian cricket captain Nariman Jamshedji "Nari" Contractor, now in his late 70’s will be present in Trinidad to support the event. The blood drive is expected to attract many volunteers, including university students and staff. All members of the public are also invited to attend and make donations.

For further information, please contact Mr. Kirk Perreira at (868) 750-7092.

Contact

  • Kirk Perriera

  • Tel.: (868) 750-7092
  • Email: