Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Antigua and Barbuda Begins Vaccination for Tourism Frontline Workers

JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (MARCH 15, 2021) – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has begun the Covid-19 vaccination process for frontline workers in the Tourism Industry.

Speaking on the accelerated vaccination process for those within the country’s vital tourism industry, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James said, “We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of our tourism stakeholders who made themselves available for the vaccine.

The continued health and safety of our tourism workers remains a priority for us as we welcome visitors safely to our destination and prepare for a strong tourism rebound when travel restrictions ease within the next few months in our key source markets.”

Over two thousand (2,000) Hospitality professionals across Antigua and Barbuda to include Hotel workers, Tours Operators, Restaurant and Retail employees were vaccinated this past week.

Mr. Alex de Brito Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association stated that “It is of utmost importance for us to protect our employees. Our industry cannot survive without their dedication, hard work and commitment to seeing the Industry bounce back. With so many already taking the step towards vaccination, we are confident that our destination will have a positive image in the international travel media. Our message is definitely one that promotes the safety of our destination and the commitment that the Government has shown in reviving the economy of Antigua and Barbuda and getting us beyond the grips of the pandemic.”

Additionally, 473 persons from the airline community also received their first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine last week, at the VC Bird International Airport.

Amongst those given the opportunity to receive the vaccine were Administrative, Operations and Security staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, airline staff, concessionaires, ground handlers, taxi drivers, red caps, and tour companies.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Euletta Francis reflected on the past year.

“In March 2020, the pandemic forced the closure of our borders.  Today, I am mindful that we are at this point having come through an extremely challenging year.  I am indeed grateful that employees who have sacrificed so much and overcome their worst fears during a difficult time got this important layer of protection in the fight against Covid-19,” Francis noted.

To date, over 23,000 persons in Antigua and Barbuda have been vaccinated.  Those vaccinated include health care workers, senior and vulnerable citizens, educators, those within the public sector, and tourism frontline workers.

Montserrat Receives Critical Personal Protective Equipment for Frontline Workers

The Government of Montserrat has received a shipment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to support its national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The consignment of supplies was procured through funding from the European Union (EU) 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).

CARPHA procured the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for Montserrat, which includes 1,250 protective coveralls, and 2,500 surgical masks.

The EU grant seeks to improve health security in the Region 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 EU grant supports CARPHA Member States’ national COVID-19 preparedness and response and has financed the procurement of much needed medical supplies.

Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Joy St John emphasized the importance of this donation, stating that “No effort is being spared to offer assistance to the citizens of our Member States and those who take care of them. CARPHA works closely with Member States to identify their needs and provides guidance and support in the continued fight against COVID-19. Of course, the provision of PPE to Montserrat would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the European Union and its commitment to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean region.”

The donation was received by the Honorable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Charles Kirnon, who expressed his gratitude and stated that “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our frontline workers within the Ministry of Health and Social Services continue to care for our community. We in turn have a responsibility to provide them with the necessary resources to protect themselves from infection as they perform these essential duties. CARPHA’s donation will aid us in this regard. CARPHA’s continued commitment to safeguarding and supporting its Member States is highly commendable. The Government of Montserrat appreciates their support and efforts and looks forward to continued partnership. The Government of Montserrat would also like to express deep gratitude to the European Union for its support.”
More information about the project https://www.carpha.org/Projects/Ongoing-Projects/11th-EDF-Regional-Health-Security

Covid-19 Yachting Regulations for St. Eustatius

The Government of St. Eustatius (Statia) has issued new directives regarding the island’s accommodation of yachts during Covid-19.

As at February 1^st, 2021, yachts visiting Statia from low-risk countries can apply for permission to enter the island without the need for quarantine. Entry requests can be emailed to: info.covid19@statiagov.com and it should be received at least 72 hours before the planned date of arrival. Approval will be within 48 hours after receiving the request.

All staff on yachts which visited a high-risk country during the last 14 days, must stay in quarantine on board the yacht for 14 days before being allowed to go on shore in Statia.

Country risk categories can be found here: http://bit.ly/3rojpMc

All yachts are allowed to anchor in Statia waters without going onshore.

Diving schools on the island can visit the yachts from high-risk countries and organize diving trips directly from the yacht. The divers on these yachts must possess a PADI certificate.

Although the harbour is officially closed until further notice, residents of Statia can moor their vessels at the harbour pier. If vessels attempt to moor in any other area, they will be directed to the harbour pier.

We encourage you to visit https://www.statiagovernment.com/key-topics/covid-19 for up-to-date information on Statia’s Covid-19 protocols.

Dominica Receives Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council

Roseau, Dominica – (February 9, 2021) Dominica is among the growing list of countries who have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp. The Safe Travels stamp is a global safety and hygiene stamp for travel and tourism. It reassures travellers that the destination’s health and safety protocols to combat pandemics such as COVID-19 meet globally accepted protocols such as those endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Dominica joins its Caribbean counterparts who are already using the stamp, namely – Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Grenada, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tobago and the United Sates Virgin Islands.

In a statement to the WTTC, Minister for Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, Hon. Denise Charles stated, “Dominica is proud to join the growing number of tourism partners who have embraced the WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp. This is a clear demonstration of our stance with our network locally, regionally and internationally, to ensure that the tourism industry thrives while the requisite health and safety protocols are implemented to combat the coronavirus pandemic. This links in perfectly with our Safe in Nature experience offered to visitors which

provides an enjoyable and unforgettable managed experience adhering to all health and safety protocols. We are confident that the complementary Safe Travels stamp will provide the impetus to drive Dominica’s tourism while assuring visitors that they can discover the many wonders of Nature’s Isle safely.”

Local tourism practitioners will also be able to use the Safe Travels Stamp with their logo once they have met the criteria as established by the WTTC for using the stamp.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at +1 767 448 2045. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.DiscoverDominica.com, follow Dominica on Twitter., Instagram and Facebook and take a look at our videos on YouTube.

First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccine Successfully Administered in the TCI

Following the launch of the TCI’s COVID-19 Vaccination program on January 11, 2021 the TCI can proudly state that it has efficiently administered its first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday, January 11, 2021 received compliments of the United Kingdom, its first batch of 1,950 vials of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID 19 vaccine; enough to fully vaccinate some 5,000 plus persons.

Vaccinations commenced on January 11, 2020 with country leaders and representatives from key groups across society, focusing largely on the elderly, persons with underlying conditions, healthcare, and front-line workers across the islands.

As of Thursday, February 4, 2021 a total of 6,114 persons had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This includes 5,351 persons on the island of Providenciales, 452 persons on the island of Grand Turk, 142 persons on Parrot Cay, 87 persons on South Caicos, and 82 persons on the island of North Caicos. Vaccinations will take place on the island of Salt Cay on Friday, February 5, 2021.

The Government’s Primary Healthcare Clinic, which is responsible for vaccinating over 2,000 persons, began administration of the second dose of the vaccine on Monday, February 1st, 2021; 233 persons in the TCI have since been fully immunized.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government entered a MOU with the 5 on island private medical practices: Family Medical, Grace Bay Medical, Associated Medical Practice, Omnicare, and Carolina Medical on Thursday, January 21, 2021 to cover the cost of administering the vaccine to members of the public free of charge.

This partnership is responsible for 2/3 of the vaccinations in the TCI thus far; helping the TCI to expeditiously reach its goal of vaccinating over 5,000 persons within less than a month of launching its COVID-19 vaccination program.

Commenting on the successful administration of the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines in the TCI His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin said; “We have delivered the first batch at higher speed than originally planned or expected – there has been absolutely no wastage – and we have now demonstrated that there is demand for a voluntary vaccination program across all the Islands touching all communities of our society.

That efficiency, demand and delivery were not a given when the vaccine first arrived, and it secures us more which I expect to arrive in mid-February.

Keep registering on the portal and if you have received your first shot, return at the 21-day point for your second.

Over 10% of TCI will be immune imminently and moving towards a proper herd immunity is our route out of this so be reassured moving forward we will secure as many vaccines as there is demand for it; we’ve shown we can manage this better than anyone originally imagined.”

Premier Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson in expressing her pleasure at the success of the program said; “I am very pleased that we have been able to vaccinate so many persons in such a short time.

I must thank those who worked across Government to deliver on this, particularly our Primary Health Care Team. I must also thank all of the Private Clinics who came on board to assist TCIG in delivering on this important national goal.

This is an important achievement which demonstrates to the UK that this gesture has been very welcomed. As we welcome the next batch, I encourage the vulnerable among us and frontline workers to continue to come forward.

This vaccine remains all of our best defenses and best chance at some form of normalcy during the life of this pandemic. I also wish to encourage all of our residents to continue to register as we seek to achieve our ambitious goal of vaccinating our entire adult population.

We continue as a Government to run an aggressive education campaign and so I encourage persons to read-only credible sources of information and follow your doctor’s advice.

As we continue to face the challenges of COVID, I encourage us all to follow health’s protocols and exercise even greater vigilance.”

Commenting on the initial rollout and the future of the program, Deputy Governor and Co-Chair of the TCI COVID-19 Vaccination Oversight Steering Committee Her Excellency Anya Williams said; “We are extremely pleased with the initial rollout of our COVID-19 Vaccination Program here in the Turks and Caicos and extend our thanks to the many persons involved in its success.

This includes; Primary Healthcare and Private Medical Practitioners team that did an exceptional job at administering such a large number of vaccines within a relatively short period of time; our Comms Team that did an amazing job educating the public on the pros and cons of taking the vaccine; our logistics team that led on planning, receipt, storage and distribution of the vaccine; our public and private sector partners that served as members of the TCI COVID-19 Vaccination Oversight Steering Committee; our entire team in the Ministry of Health and the general public for your great support!

We initially received from the UK 1,950 vials to fully vaccinate 5,000 persons.
Similar to Cayman and other countries, we were able to extract 6 doses from the majority of the vials, allowing us to administer additional vaccines with little to no wastage due to consistent demand. We had great support for vaccinations from our healthcare workers where over 50% of staff and their families were vaccinated.

Frontline areas such as the Police, Prison, Immigration and Customs were also prioritized along within vulnerable and other persons with underlying conditions.
Appointments for first vaccines across the islands is currently closed. However, as stated by the Governor, we are actively working on the receipt of the next batch of vaccines from the UK which we anticipate later this month.

We, therefore, encourage persons to continue to register on the portal so that you can be scheduled for early appointments once the second batch of vaccines arrives on the island.

We are still actively engaged in the fight against COVID-19, but the completion of over 6,000 vaccines thus far is a major accomplishment for us in our plan to fully vaccinated, where supported, our entire population.”