May 20, 2021

T&T Receives Vaccine Donation From St. Vincent and the Grenadines

By Newsroom

A shipment of 16,000 Astra Zeneca vaccines landed in Trinidad and Tobago today, courtesy the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The revelation was made by Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister, Dr. Amery Browne, during Thursday’s Post Cabinet media briefing. 

“An air guard flight departed Trinidad and Tobago this morning, arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was efficiently loaded with these Astra Zeneca vaccines and has just landed at Piarco Airport with vaccines to be immediately received and properly managed by our health authorities,” Dr. Browne said. 

The Minister described the development as the result of significant diplomatic work and communication at the highest levels between the respective heads of government and Foreign Affairs Ministries.

It also comes at a time when St. Vincent and the Grenadines faces its own crisis, recovering from activity at La Soufriere which began erupting last month.

Dr. Browne recounted the support T&T lent to its CARICOM counterpart, by shipping relief supplies as well as deploying army men to provide on the ground relief on the island.

The vaccines will expire at the end of June.

“And the Ministry of Health has indicated that they will have sufficient time to ensure that the are fully and properly utilized for the benefit of people of Trinidad and Tobago,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Browne said Bermuda has also indicated that they will donate at least 8,000 Astra Zeneca vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago. 

“The details of the conveyance are being finalized as we speak. We anticipate they will be within our jurisdiction very early next week,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Regarding the prospect of acquiring vaccines through the United States’ donation program, Dr. Browne said talks were ongoing and feedback had been, so far, positive, regarding a supply to T&T  and by extension CARICOM. 

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