Bahamas News
Trinidad and Tobago Receives EU-Supported COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – In a handover ceremony on 23rd March 2021, the European Union together with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) provided the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with personal protective equipment (PPE) comprising 7,500 N95 respirator masks and 13,000 surgical masks.
The supplies were procured through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Health Security Strengthening for Prevention and Control of Outbreaks of Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean which is being implemented by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). This protective equipment will help frontline workers to stay safe while performing their duties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We at CARPHA are pleased to provide support to the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago in their continued fight against COVID-19. This ceremony today signals our continued efforts to provide assistance to the citizens of our Member States. CARPHA works closely with Member States to identify needs and provides support, to meet those needs,” said Dr. Joy St. John, CARPHA Executive Director.
Dr. St. John expressed appreciation for the continued support of the European Union to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated “The EU has provided support to aid CARPHA Member States’ national COVID-19 preparedness and response and has financed the procurement of much needed medical supplies, inclusive of Personal Protective Equipment. This provision of PPE to Trinidad and Tobago would not have been possible without the unwavering support and commitment of the European Union.”
Mr Sanjin Soldatic, Charge d’Affaires at the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago stated “Being here today is yet another demonstration of our support and commitment to Trinidad and Tobago and the other Member States of CARPHA in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Literally within weeks from the beginning of the pandemic, the EU signed a EUR 8 million programme to support Caribbean countries in the outbreak control operations through CARPHA, with an immediate disbursement of almost 6,8mln USD. Trinidad and Tobago is one of many benefitting from the work of CARPHA and one of 12 countries to have received protective equipment from this programme. Provision of this equipment is only one of many planned interventions. Additional equipment, technical assistance, and guidance will form part of our shared strategic approach aimed at strengthening the capacity of public health systems in the region to deliver quality and efficient health services.”
Speaking at the ceremony Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram brought remarks on behalf of the Honourable Terrance Deyalsingh, Minister of Health He recognised the efforts of CARPHA to coordinate, among other public health priorities, the response to public health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating “I would like to particularly thank CARPHA for the support provided to Trinidad and Tobago, and other CARPHA Member States, for diagnostic testing for COVID-19, and at the same time, acknowledge the support of the European Union to strengthen CARPHA’s testing capacity through the provision of additional human resources, reagents and equipment. CARPHA has been a true friend to Caribbean Member States – they walk with us in the light, but they also hold our hand in the darkest night.”
The EU Grant seeks to improve health security and strengthen capacity of CARPHA Member States for the detection, surveillance, prevention, control and response to epidemics of Communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The Grant supports CARPHA Member States’ national COVID-19 preparedness and response and has financed the procurement of requisite medical supplies. This EU Grant is part of the much larger 11th EDF African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Programme to strengthen health systems for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), an important partner of CARPHA, has supported the Agency’s access to these important resources for its regional COVID-19 response.
Release: CARPHA
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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