Avellon Williams
(PAHO) —The United Kingdom has unanimously agreed to contribute generously 3 million Pounds equivalent to (USD$3.8m) to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to help eight considered countries of the Caribbean – Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This possible move is to purportedly contain the possible spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and mitigate its potential impact, to save the lives and reduce transmission of the infectious COVID-19 virus towards human-to-human. Considerable part of this comprehensive strategy will also improve the dissemination of Public Health Information to the Caribbean.
Pan American Health Organization Director Dr. Carissa Etienne said “PAHO very much appreciates the strong partnership and long-standing support of the Government of the United Kingdom. We are grateful to UK DFID for helping Caribbean Small Island developing states combat the serious COVID-19 pandemic and address the unique challenges they are facing.”
Stefan Kossoff, Country Director for the UK DFID in the Caribbean, said: “The UK Government is committed to supporting our Caribbean friends and partners through this crisis.
We all face unprecedented challenges with COVID19, and UK assistance is supporting vulnerable health systems in the Caribbean and across the world – to save lives, protect vital services and reduce the risk of future waves of infection globally. In addition to our multi-million-dollar commitment to the supply of vaccines, this direct regional support will help Caribbean countries to cope with the coronavirus crisis, boost their healthcare efforts and protect the most vulnerable. The UK stands with the people of the Caribbean in these difficult times.”
Of significant importance is the fact that these Caribbean Islands were once colonies of Britain and are still members of the Commonwealth of nations.
It goes to show that regardless of independence status, a good mother never abandons her children in times of need.
