OECS Media Release — Thursday, December 2, 2021
International solidarity remains critical in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Government of Argentina reaffirmed its support to OECS Member States by donating 42 thousand doses of AstraZeneca vaccines. The shipment of vaccines arrived at Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux-Fort, Saint Lucia, on December 1st, 2021. Two flights of the Regional Security System (RSS) were mobilized to facilitate the shipment of doses to Grenada, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with a stock also handed over to the Ministry of Health of Saint Lucia.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Argentina H.E. Santiago Cafiero stated: “This collaboration is just a token of the historical friendship and positive relations between the Republic of Argentina and the Caribbean region. We share the same democratic values, and my government truly appreciates the support we permanently receive from our partners.”
Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules noted: “International cooperation is the key to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the OECS has been working closely with multiple governments and organisations since the early stages of the health crisis towards the achievement of this objective. I want to express our deep appreciation to the government and people of the Republic of Argentina for this generous donation that will assist the OECS Member States in safeguarding the lives of their citizenry. Argentina has always been a reliable friend and partner.”