Belize Receives Pfizer Vaccine from the U.S.
Today, the Government of Belize received a batch of one hundred and eleven thousand one hundred and fifty doses of Pfizer vaccine courtesy of the U.S. Government. It is part of President Joe Biden’s pledge to support efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
It was delayed for about an hour, but just after eight o’clock this morning, a FedEx Express Cargo plane landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport. What was considered precious cargo onboard was a metal container carrying boxes of Pfizer vaccine. Minutes after the plane landed, the boxers were transferred to a refrigerated truck and transported to Belmopan.
Leyla Moses-Ones
Leyla Moses-Ones, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy
“COVID does not recognise sovereignty; it attacks humans regardless of what your passport looks like and the United States is committed to donating vaccines to support the global need to end the damaging public health and economic consequences of this COVID-19 pandemic. And the arrival of this first tranche shows how partner nations such as Belize and the United States are working together to battle COVID-19.”
It is only the first batch of a total of three hundred and forty-five thousand one hundred and fifty doses of vaccine that will be delivered to the country for distribution. Two other batches will be sent to Belize in the months ahead.
Amalia Mai
Amalia Mai, C.E.O., Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
“The donation to Belize along with the requisite auxiliary kits is a portion of a five point five million-dose donation of the vaccine to the Caribbean region as agreed between former CARICOM Chairman Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and U.S. President Joe Biden. Here in Belize, through bilateral discussions with the U.S. Embassy, we are happily now receiving this donation. COVID-19 has reinforced how interdependent our world has become and the lingering pandemic continues to remind us that no one is safe until everyone is safe.”
COVID-19 has claimed the life of four million persons, including three hundred and forty-seven Belizeans. The Minister of Health and Wellness Michel Chebat says that the donation affords an additional level of protection for the country.
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness
“Our traditional school system had to adopt to a new mode of teaching and learning. The tourism industry which Belize and other countries of the Caribbean Community depend on for economic growth and sustainability came to a standstill. We as a people had to adapt to a new way of living. As the COVID-19 virus continues to wreak havoc around the world, including our beloved Belize, experts and government officials continue to find ways to reduce infection rates, safeguard lives, provide adequate and effective healthcare to all and mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
