Ministry of Health Finding Other Ways to Import Medical Supplies

Marvin Manzanero

We have reported that a number of medical items in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic ordered from U.S. suppliers have been blocked from arriving at the Bahamas, Barbados and the Cayman Islands. This is because the U.S. Customs and Homeland Security Departments are preventing U.S. companies from exporting respirators, ventilators, surgical masks, gloves and personal protective medical equipment and supplies. We are told that automated export system filings and vessel manifests are being monitored, limiting the U.S. exportation of these essential supplies. Well a special notice from the Hyde Shipping in circulation states that because of the U.S. measures, it is not allowed to export any of the mentioned items.  From we have learnt companies and suppliers that are attempting to purchase the items privately are being advised to source them from Europe and Asia. There is no specific information as to how many of these items are being held up in the process, but the Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero told News Five today that the Ministry is also looking at re-routing the importation process.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services

“PPEs and testing kits; we still have some ventilators on their way and some other equipments. So we are trying to find creative ways of getting it here. So rerouting it through avenues that don’t have to go through the U.S. is one. There is a flight coming in to pick up persons today; we were exploring the possibility for some items to arrive through that mechanism. As soon as I leave here I’ll go and find out whether those items actually came into country or not.”