The People’s Republic of China has continued to assist Dominica in its fight against Covid-19 with a donation of facial masks.
The masks were handed over to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investments at a ceremony on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the Chinese Embassy.
Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre stated that China has been by Dominica’s side since the beginning of the pandemic.
“From the beginning of the pandemic, the People’s Republic of China has always been at our side and they have always been there to give us the donations. Today its facial masks but we’ve had so many different donations during the pandemic including antigen tests, PCR supplies, and protective equipment and not forgetting the technical support that you have been giving to the Ministry of Health to help us combat and fight this pandemic. And this has been happening from the beginning of the pandemic and we are really grateful for that. It shows the extent of the collaboration and the relationship between the two countries and we really value tis relationship,” Dr. McIntyre stated.
So far ten batches of medical supplies to include masks, protective clothing, ventilators, test kits and vaccines have been donated to Dominica by China.
The Health Minister thanked the Chinese Government for their continued assistance to Dominica.
“As, the Minister for Health, I must extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to the People’s Republic of China for all of the assistance that they have given to us to fight the pandemic and of course in the development of our healthcare system. We have a great relationship and we look forward to that continuing and we are very pleased and we are very thankful,” Dr. McIntyre added.
Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Darroux stated that the pandemic has placed a toll on economies around the world.
“The People’s Republic of China has once again shown that it is a true friend to the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica. From the onset of the pandemic, the People’s Republic of China has shown that it is willing to hold our hand and help us along the way. We are in the middle of an ongoing pandemic, the likes of which the world has never seen; and the toll that this pandemic has placed upon the economies of countries is tremendous so every little assistance that we have received, we are grateful,” Dr. Darroux added.
Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Lin Xianjiang stated that the collaboration between Dominica and China since March 2020 to fight Covid-19 proves the strong relations and solidarity of these countries.
“Last year when the pandemic broke out, the Dominica Prime Minister led all Cabinet Ministers to the Chinese Embassy to support our efforts to fight the pandemic. The President and the Prime Minister also gave a speech in Parliament to support China’s anti-pandemic efforts so we are very much appreciative,” His Excellency Lin Xianjiang noted.