(CDEMA) – In response to the high demand for personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other medical supplies due to COVID-19, the United States has donated more than US$104,000 worth of PPE and other medical supplies for seven Eastern Caribbean countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
“This donation is one of several programs and initiatives the U.S. has provided to support our neighbors in the Eastern Caribbean,” said U.S. Coast Guard Commander and Senior U.S. Embassy Defense Official Steve Charnon. “Coordinating these donations to help combat COVID-19 was a true team effort and reflects the enduring partnership between the U.S. and the Eastern Caribbean, as well as regional organizations such as CDEMA and the Regional Security System.”
Through the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM), the CDEMA Regional Coordination Center (RCC) facilitated the procurement of the PPEs and the distribution to the countries.
“The impact of COVID-19 on our region has been felt far and wide, affecting our social, physical, mental and economic well-being. The unprecedented nature of this pandemic requires collaborative efforts between our region and its partners to respond effectively to the needs of our Participating States,” said Elizabeth Riley, executive director (ag) of CDEMA.
The supplies, which were acquired through a supplier in Trinidad and Tobago, include 1,000 surgical masks, 500 face shields, 250 protective goggles, 1,200 latex gloves, 1,000 shoe covers, 10 gallons of hand sanitizers and 87 hazmat suits.
These will be packaged for each country and issued to the National Disaster Offices for national-level distribution, targeting those who are on the front line and are highly exposed, including essential services personnel and security forces.
