By Lincoln DePradine

A Canadian dental and healthcare volunteer team, which visited Grenada in 2018 and 2019 but aborted a third trip in 2020 because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be returning to the country this year.

During the two earlier visits by Smiles Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique (GCP), members offered assistance in dental care and included in the team professional service providers such as Toronto chiropractor Dr Christopher Morgan, whose father was born in Grenada.

Smiles GCP was founded by Vanessa Alexis, who was born on Carriacou. She’s a dental hygienist at Dr Sheridan Cyrus Dentistry. The business is owned and operated by Grenadian dental surgeon Dr Sheridan Cyrus, who attended the St George’s Anglican School on Church Street and GBSS in Tanteen.

Alexis has called Cyrus her mentor. “I am truly grateful for your input and your support,’’ she told Cyrus at a recent fundraising event in Toronto. “Without you, Smiles would not have been able to have two successful missions to Grenada.’’

The event – a $60 “cocktail party’’ – was to raise funds for Smiles GCP’s visit in June that will take the mission to Carriacou.

Among those who attended the fundraiser was Dr George Mitchell, who was Grenada’s chief medical officer (CMO) when the Smiles GCP team visited in 2018 and 2019.

“I really need you to support this venture because it’ a worthwhile venture,’’ said Mitchell.

The ex-CMO said the services by the Canadians have had an impact on the health, self-esteem and self-confidence of hundreds of Grenadians.

“I really do appreciate, from deep down, what Dr Cyrus and his team have done for the people of Grenada,’’ said Mitchell.

Money from the event will be used to offset various costs associated with the planned visit to Carriacou.

“We are about to go on our third mission,’’ said Smiles GCP’s president Alexis. “This fundraising tonight is extremely important because it helps us to pay for the equipment and our supplies to make our next mission a success.’’

Cyrus, whose father was Carriacouian, has not only assisted Smiles GCP, but also has engaged in other activities in Grenada such as providing dental services to inmates at the Richmond Hill Prisons.

He also has arranged for Canadian correctional officers to provide training for personnel of the prison services and for officers of the Royal Grenada Police Force.

“Whatever help you can give us, we accept it,’’ Cyrus said in remarks at the fundraising event.

The dental and healthcare exercises to Grenada and Carriacou have been “growing’’, said Alexis, who expressed appreciation to Smile GCP’s donors and sponsors.