India sent two consignments of Covishield COVID-19 vaccines to Barbados and Caribbean neighbor Dominica on Sunday night. According to the Hindustan Times, the vaccines left the island around 11:35 p.m. and were distributed under their Vaccine Maitri initiative.
India’s gift of 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines arrived Barbados earlier today. This was a very special moment for all Barbadians and I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for his quick, decisive, and magnanimous action in allowing us to be the beneficiary of these vaccines. pic.twitter.com/cSCb40c2mt
— Mia Amor Mottley (@miaamormottley) February 10, 2021
Oxford AstraZeneca delivered
The newspaper reported Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley sent correspondence to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Thursday which read: “I trust that you are well and safe. On behalf of my Government and people, I wish to express gratitude to you, your Government and the people of the Republic of India for its most generous donation of the Covishield vaccines (under the auspices of Oxford AstraZeneca).”
Consolidating our Caribbean connect. Barbados receives Made in India vaccines. #VaccineMaitri pic.twitter.com/Fn0EZK1Zuv
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 10, 2021
At the end of January, Mottley wrote to Modi requesting about 200,000 vaccines. The vaccines were manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. (SAT)
Belize’s Vaccine Update: ~30% of Population To Be Covered
As one of six nations that will receive support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the rollout of a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program, Belize aims to secure 120,000 vaccines in or before April 2021. Thanks to initial funding from the IDB of about $400,000, Belize has paid the first portion of our commitment to the COVAX facility, covering about 30% of our population.
In a virtual press conference January 29, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize informs the public of its upcoming Vaccine Education Campaign as well as its Expanded Rapid Testing Campaign in efforts to reach out to high-risk institutions and businesses.
Header photo via Dr. S. Jaishankar/Twitter. Source: Nation News, Hindustan Times
