Antigua and Barbuda Receives US$ 1 Million Worth of PPE from the Government of India
On Friday, 7 August 2020, Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne, MP participated in a virtual handover of life-saving personal protection equipment (PPE) and other medical instruments to aid in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
The virtual handover was attended by India’s High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda H.E. Dr K.J. Srinivasa, Prime Minister Browne, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Anthony Liverpool.
The donation, worth approximately one million US dollars, was provided through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda towards obtaining medical-grade PPEs and equipment for the specially designed Infectious Disease and Isolation centre.
The items donated to the twin-island state includes 115,000 surgical masks, 2000 full-cover protective goggles, 200,000 examination gloves, 2000 face shields, 10,000 disposable impervious gowns, and 6 ventilators.
PM Browne used the opportunity to express his sincere appreciation to High Commissioner Srinivasa and by extension the Government of India for the timely assistance under this India-UNDP Initiative. He also noted that this assistance will greatly aid in the nation’s effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM Browne ended by conveying the Government’s commitment to new areas of cooperation with India as they seek to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations between both countries.
Antigua and Barbuda and India enjoyed long-standing relations since 1981, based on a shared Commonwealth heritage, trade, integration, and support for the game of cricket.