Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica

09/15/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/15/2021 09:45

CHINA DONATES THIRTY THOUSAND ANTIGEN TEST KITS TO DOMINICA

The Government of the People's Republic of China remains a steadfast partner in Dominica's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as they donated 30,000 Antigen Tests Kits to Dominica.

The donation, which took place on Friday, September 10 2021 at the Chinese Embassy, will aid the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment in its 'Testing and Know Your Status Drive.'

Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit described the donation as a continued show of support from the Chinese Government.

'I want to express on behalf of the Government of Dominica profound gratitude and thanks to the Chinese Embassy, C'harge De Affairs and his staff and of course to the President and the Premier of and the Government and People of China for their continued manifestation of support to us in Dominica as we confront Covid-19. From the inception of this virus and the presence of this virus in the Caribbean and Dominica included, China has been providing us with tremendous support,' PM Skerrit stated.

The Prime Minister noted that the donation will play a huge part in the Dominica's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

'We do everything humanly possible to ensure that our citizens who get infected with this virus can survive it. About two weeks ago we received from China some 10,000 PCR tests kits and that in itself is a tremendous donation, tremendous grant. The PCR test kits as many would know are not cheap. They are quite expensive and it is in high demand across the world and in every single country. And with the recent challenge that we have had with the number of cases, China has given to us as a grant some 30,000 rapid antigen tests kits. This is an extraordinary gift and contribution to our fight,' the Prime Minister went on to say.

Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre stated that this donation is even more special as China faces its own challenges posed by the pandemic.

'We have to appreciate the fact that it's a pandemic and you also have your challenges and even within your challenges you are able to donate some supplies to us. We are very much appreciative of such an effort and a donation of these important supplies to us,' the Health Minister stated.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Darroux noted that these kits will prove to be an asset to Dominica's testing programme.

'I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the Government of the People's Republic of China for this timely donation. Dominica is currently experiencing a surge in cases and we have a very aggressive testing programme going on, so these test kits will certainly go a long way in increasing our armoury in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,' Dr. Darroux added.

Charge d' Affairs, Mr. Luo Songtao stated that this is just one of the many donations made to Dominica since the start of the pandemic.

'When the pandemic broke out in Dominica, china managed to donate more than ten batches of medical supplies with many items including PCR tests, doses of the Sinopharm vaccine and ventilators. Now we are donating 30,000 antigen test kits,' Mr. Luo noted.