After weeks of hiccups, back and forth and allegations of poor diplomatic practice, Trinidad and Tobago  has been approved to receive 40,000 doses of Astra-Zeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine from the Indian government. 

This was confirmed in a government statement on Wednesday afternoon.

“Subsequent to official correspondence from the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to the Prime Minister of India, the Government of India has today officially informed the Government of Trinidad and Tobago that 40,000 doses of WHO-approved Astra Zeneca vaccines have now been approved for donation to Trinidad and Tobago.”

The news comes two days after a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne and Indian High Commissions Arun Kumar Sahu.

Additionally, government said China has offered 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago “to support and safeguard the health of the people of Trinidad and Tobago”.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has graciously accepted this generous offer of the Sinopharm vaccine as we anxiously await WHO approval.

“Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has expressed his sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping for their generosity to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

All relevant arrangements are being made for the shipment of the vaccines to Port of Spain.