Caribbean News
PAHO says 55% of Residents in Latin America and Caribbean Fully Vaccinated
#Jamaica, December 11, 2021 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is reporting that 55 per cent of residents in Latin America and the Caribbean are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19).
It is anticipated that this figure could increase with the arrival of an additional 1.6 million vaccine doses to the region this week, which Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, says will bring the number to 72 million, adding that “we expect more… in the coming days”.
“This number (55 per cent) is a testament to the efforts of member countries that have been working hard to secure and deliver the doses they need to protect their populations,” Dr. Etienne further said.
She was speaking during PAHO’s weekly COVID-19 digital media briefing on Wednesday (December 8).
Dr. Etienne, however, voiced concern about the number of people who remain unvaccinated, noting that 20 countries have yet to reach the World Health Organization’s (WHO) year-end 40 per cent vaccination coverage for
2021.
She said while some of the remaining countries are expected to achieve this in the next few weeks, several remain far behind, adding that at the current pace, “as many as six… may not meet the target”.
Dr. Etienne assured that PAHO “is doing everything that it can to accelerate vaccinations in our region”.
She advised that the entity, through its Revolving Fund facility, has already purchased more than US$1 billion worth of all routine vaccines, including COVID-19, for the region, “and we expect to buy even more as countries place their orders”.
She further indicated that deals have been secured with AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Sinopharm, “and we expect to have mRNA vaccines in the portfolio as well”.
“We’re currently reviewing orders for next year and it’s not too late for countries to request additional doses,” the Director added.
Dr. Etienne said that by using the facility, countries are guaranteed access to quality-assured vaccines at fair prices through a transparent mechanism. She informed that countries can benefit from the Fund’s credit line and save the time and effort it would take to negotiate individually, manage orders, and oversee the international logistics of deliveries.
“In the short term, we are racing to get people protected from this virus. But COVID will require a long-term strategy, especially as we learn more about the duration of protection, the impact of the vaccine on different age groups, and the behaviour of new variants,” the Director pointed out
Dr. Etienne said PAHO’s vision is to ensure access to COVID vaccines for everyone across the region who is eligible. She emphasised that to fulfil this vision, “we need to use our proven and sustainable mechanisms [such as the Revolving Fund] to secure vaccines now and for years to come”.
Contact: Douglas McIntosh
JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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