They’re here! 108,700 Johnson and Johnson vaccines ordered through the African Medical Supplies Platform landed at the Piarco International Airport 3:10 this afternoon, following two flight delays, last night and this morning.

It is the first single dose jab to be added to Trinidad and Tobago’s vaccination efforts.

On hand to receive the shipment were Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs; Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health; Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development of the Tobago House of Assembly; and Dr. Nikita Pardesi, Social Policy Officer at the UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area.

Minister Browne noted the critical role played by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, in leading the negotiations with key members of the African Union, including His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; and His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya to secure these vaccines on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Browne noted as well the vital role played by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in facilitating the logistical arrangements for the delivery of these vaccines, from the manufacturer in Belgium to Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Browne also acknowledged the skilful diplomacy of Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, Special Envoy of the African Union for COVID-19, in helping to bring this initiative to fruition.